EndlessForms |
Hello everyone! Feel free to dot here or make an introductory post. Remember to check in to the Discussion thread if you have not already.
Saitama |
"Greetings, all!", speaks the short, bald Tien man. "I am Saitama, coach of Irori, here to edumacate those in the divine beefiness of the greatest of baldies!"
Henrick Bulwark |
"Ye have a strange way about ye, boy! But ye seem a decent fellow, so "greetings" back at ya."
Henrick finshes packing his pack. "So where we off too this time?"
Nazza |
Profile/sheet's all updated!
"I dunno, but hopefully it's not anywhere too dirty, eh?" says a powerfully built half-orc woman. After picking her straight, sharp teeth with a red lacquered nail, she smirks at her fellow Pathfinders.
"Name's Nazza. So, Saitama--mind if I just call you Sai?--you're here to do some educating on baldies? Think it'd be a good look for our dwarven friend here, see what he looks like without the beard?" Nazza asks, shooting the dwarf a teasing wink.
Henrick Bulwark |
"I'm not sure ye can find a blade sharp enough to shave me beard!", the dwarf laughs.
Saitama |
1 person marked this as a favorite. |
"No, Irori's regiment of exercise is of benefit to everyone, regardless of hairness!", he smiles. "And when those who are naughty need a spanking, it is with Irori's divine hand that justice shall be paddled!", Saitama otherwise ignoring his alternate moniker.
Looking over at the dwarf, he nods. "But I can see Mr. Dwarf here has some sirloins on those arms of his! Good show!", and reviewing Nazza he adds, "and same with you lady orc-thing Nazza! I see Irori has blessed me with those who are already *clap* pumped up!"
Victoria Hennessee |
"Hello everyone. Sorry I am late. "
With hair streaked with gold, held back with a colorful, feathered headband, and eyes flashing with blue lightning, the young woman before you betrays her unworldly heritage. She wears a stylish robe of rainbow hues and a necklace of strange, decorative bird around her neck. Only the longspear she carries seams out of place with rest of her raiment.
Markas Songsteel |
Sorry passed out last night so didn't update my character. Will do so tonight then do my intro post.
EndlessForms |
@Victoria: don't forget to check into the Discussion thread.
You have been stationed at the Grand Lodge in Absalom, awaiting assignment for a mission of utmost importance. Things finally seemed in motion when Venture-Captain Drandle Dreng sent out a summons for available agents. Specialized in the history of Absalom, Dreng is known for putting off-duty agents to work on sundry tasks when he finds them resting within the city’s limits. Coming to the meeting place—an odd choice of venue, as it is a street corner far from the Grand Lodge—a lone beggar garbed in baggy robes approaches. The only figure visible in the constant drizzle, the beggar sticks out his hands for currency. “Have you any coin to spare, fine folk?”
The question hangs in the air for only a scant moment before the figure pulls back his hood to reveal the wizened face of Venture-Captain Drandle Dreng. He gives a crooked smile, soaked head to toe from his unprotected time in the rain. His clothes smell faintly of cabbage.
“Sorry about that,” he says with a wink. “I always like to play a little joke on agents when I stumble across them during my jaunts into town. Now, why did I summon you fine folk here again…?” Dreng shakes his head from side to side, as though trying to knock water out of his ears, despite the constant downpour.
“Ah yes, the Wounded Wisp! I’m undercover now and can’t stray far from the site I’m watching, but I need someone to retrieve a package for me from that fine establishment. It’s among Absalom’s most storied taverns, you see, and one that holds a special place of privilege in the Society’s lore as the place where the organization began. Well, I could drone on and on about it, but standing out in the rain is doing none of us any favors.” As if anticipating agreement, the bedraggled venture captain produces a small slip of folded paper from one of his many stitched pockets. Dreng quickly shows a glimpse of the page’s contents: a map detailing the location of the Wounded Wisp bar.
“The bartender is a woman by the name of Heryn Gale, a fine lady who came to own the Wisp after the passing of her father from—oh, bah, it’s really getting too cold for me to give a proper history lesson! If you could just go to the Wisp, and tell Heryn you’re there to pick up my parcel, it would be most appreciated. I’ll be around here for several more hours at least.”
Any questions?
Saitama |
"Do you need a cloak good sir? These cold conditions can cripple a codgery man!", replies Saitama before Dreng reveals himself.
"Do they serve tea?", he asks, unable to think of any questions for such a simple mission.
Nazza |
"Sounds simple enough, old man," Nazza replies, pulling the hood of her oiled cloak tighter around her head against the rain. "What kind of parcel are we picking up? Anything dangerous? Fragile? Don't want to get blown up by some Aspis sorcerer or something without at least a little warning, eh?" she asks, smirking fondly at the thought of a fight.
Henrick Bulwark |
"I am happy to help, but ye could use a kid or two to retrieve a simple package. What need ye of such a group of Pathfinders? Should we be expectin' some trouble?"
Victoria Hennessee |
"Should be an interesting trip. To visit the place where it all started. How wonderful. I can hardly wait. "
Tori beams with excitement at the thought of the historical import.
"I hope they have a gift shoppe. "
EndlessForms |
"Do you need a cloak good sir? These cold conditions can cripple a codgery man!", replies Saitama before Dreng reveals himself.
"Do they serve tea?", he asks, unable to think of any questions for such a simple mission.
“I will be fine. Sometimes you need more than magic to remain unseen. This disguise serves its purpose and lets me pry secrets from loose lips better than any magical enchantment. Right now, I’m following up on a group operating out of this district that I believe to be associated with the Onyx Alliance… it’s a bit of a long story, but sufficed to say, this disguise is quite important to my investigation.”
"And of course they serve tea. Coffee too! And just about any alcoholic beverage you could think to order."
"What kind of parcel are we picking up? Anything dangerous? Fragile? Don't want to get blown up by some Aspis sorcerer or something without at least a little warning, eh?" she asks, smirking fondly at the thought of a fight.
“Before you judge, despite my current attire, I’m still a man of taste. The parcel is actually a special vintage of wine from the cellar of the Wounded Wisp. I’ve been sampling their finer wines in descending order of bottling. I dare not disappear from my current role in this district, but I also would appreciate some comfort items. After all, I doubt anyone would judge a supposed beggar sipping from a bottle of wine.”
"I am happy to help, but ye could use a kid or two to retrieve a simple package. What need ye of such a group of Pathfinders? Should we be expectin' some trouble?"
"No, no. I just thought it might be nice for some newer recruits like yourself to learn a little bit about Pathfinder history."
You may have greater knowledge of the Pathfinder Society’s history and its association with the Wounded Wisp. Any Pathfinder can attempt this check untrained.
Henrick Bulwark |
KN (history): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17
"Well, then, we should be on our way and let ye get back to ye disguise."
Once everyone is ready, Henrick starts towards the Wounded Wisp.
Saitama |
Knowledge: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (15) - 2 = 13
"Well, the chilly rain can be good for calistenitics and heart rate, too!"{/b], Saitama announces to the others. [b]"To Wounding of the Wisp!"
Nazza |
Knowledge (History): 1d20 ⇒ 2
Nazza grins at the old Venture Captain's request, sharp tusks poking out past her dark-tinted lips. "I just came back from a library in Taldor, but I guess a little more learning can't hurt, eh? Let's get going and get out of this rain."
Nazza pulls her cloak tighter and follows her fellow Pathfinders to the historic tavern. Turning to the colorfully dressed Aasimar woman, she asks, "Have you ever seen a gift shoppe in a tavern, Feathers?"
Markas Songsteel |
A young man with short cropped brown hair and clad in armor from head to foot comes running up to the group. Still trying to catch his breath, "Are you the group I was told to catch up with?" the young fighter struggles to say. He takes a few quick breaths, "I am Markas Songsteel. Born and raised here in Absalom. I was told I was running late and to catch up with my party here. Looks like I might have caught you before you went too far!" Markas says as a grin spreads across his face.
For the first time since catching up to the group, Markas takes a moment to look everyone over. "Looks like we have a pretty diverse group here. I'll be providing everyone a nice shield and hammer to hide behind in the event it's needed. Could someone catch me up on our mission, don't want to be the only one here without a clue what we are supposed to be doing?"
Henrick Bulwark |
"Aye, boy. Ye ain't missed much. We are headed over to the Wounded Wisp to pick up a package and deliver it across town. We've been told that this is more of a history lesson than anything, so we shouldn't be needing your armor. But then again, this is Absalom, and it is a dark and drizzly night.."
Victoria Hennessee |
"Yes, it should be simple. Other than this rain ruining our outfits and making a mess of my hair. " tori tags along trying to stay dry.
EndlessForms |
The smell of smoke and spilled ale assails the senses in this wide-open area. Walls of dark-stained wood make up the sides of the Wounded Wisp, while well-used wooden tables are spread throughout the space. A raised area in the back of the establishment houses several additional tables and eating areas for groups seeking more than just a good drink. An austere bar supported by kegs instead of wooden panels commands the northern end of the room. A stained-glass cabinet stands behind the bar, its dark panes cracked in several spots, yet not so opaque as to conceal the several dozen types of hard liquor within.
As you arrive, a handful of different groups are already relaxing around the bar, enjoying drink and food offered by the Wisp’s staff.
Heryn Gale works the bar of the Wounded Wisp, catering directly to those sitting on stools while simultaneously preparing drinks for those at tables and coordinating the wait staff. The current talk of the bar is that Sir Reinhart of Kenabres, a Mendevian crusader who recently arrived from the north, plans on attempting the Test of the Starstone, the legendary trial by which one might ascend to godhood.
Some of you may recognize the halfling Janira Gavix from your Confirmation; she is currently sitting at a table entertaining new recruits.
A Keleshite man who is clearly a devotee of Sarenrae sits at another table enjoying his meal.
Two half-orcs, a male and female, sit at another table trading crude jokes.
Some of you may recognize the military historian Yargos Gill (Silent Tide and Song of the Sea Witch)
You are encouraged to talk with some of these NPCs while at the bar.
Saitama |
Is Sir Reinhart currently in the bar?
And wrong PC, no confirmation on this PC!
Before arriving at the Wisp
"More muscleatude!", shouts Saitama excitedly as Markas introduces himself. "Irori has truly blessed me! Oh Best of the Bald Ones, this flex is for you!" as Saitama lowers himself and performs a double bicep flex in the rain. "I see that we even have mighty in magic amongst us!", nodding at the aasimar and acknowledging her powers despite her being the frailest of the party.
Nazza |
Nazza approaches the half-orcs' table, pulling up a chair and asking, "Mind if I join in? What are ya drinkin'?" with a wink and a grin.
Henrick Bulwark |
Henrick casually meanders over to the bar, and orders a stout drink.
"This Reinhart - he's really itchin' to be a god?"
Victoria Hennessee |
"Ah my old friend Yargos...how are things going? Do you remember me? Victoria...right. "
Diplomacy : 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10 trying to strike up conversations for silent tide...her first mission.
EndlessForms |
No, Sir Reinhart is not at the bar; it's just a popular topic of conversation right now.
Nazza joins the half-orcs and discovers that they are twins named Garl and Shrade. They call for more ale and an extra for their new friend. "Haha! Oh yeah, you look a little like that lass we rescued from a cave somewhere in Varisia. F@#!ing necromancer holding her hostage, trying to turn her into a zombie but she was still f@##ing alive! Well, there's nothing an axe can't fix as we always say!"
"We've been with the Society for 3 years now, but only been on a handful of missions. I guess we don't have the finesse the higher-ups are always looking for, hahaha!"
---
The bartender responds to Henrick, "That seems to be the rumor, yes. What can I do for you?"
---
Yargos indeed remembers Victoria but still seems surprised to have visitors. "Hello! Yes, that was quite a scare we had. But since then my studies have been going very well. I've recently been researching the Battle of Numbered Tears that took place in. . . ." He begins to lecture you on every esoteric detail on this minor and inconsequential battle.
Henrick Bulwark |
"A drink, and some history, perhaps? I am told this is where the Pathfinders began - I assume ye've heard some stories, no doubt. Any favorites?"
Markas Songsteel |
Markas takes special note of Janira off at her table with the new recruits and thinks back to his time of Confirmation within the society. "Saitama, have you had the pleasure yet of undergoing your Confirmation with Janira? She really knows her lore and history of this area." Before hearing Saitama's answer Markas takes a seat at the bar. "Bartender, I'll take an ale over here, and whatever my friend would like," Markas says motioning at Saitama.
"You say Sir Reinhart is going to attempt the Test of the Starstone? When is this going to take place?"
Saitama |
"I have not been confirmeried. I did play bodyguard for an artifact guy to see some gill people up north as my first mission, brought in as 'highered' muscle, obviously in gratitude to my mighty mightiness."
"Some tea, please: a boozed brains bring baby biceps!""[/b], Saitama happily accepting Markas' offer.
"The Starstone... it would be an interesting challenge, but I think it would offend Irori to achieve greatness without being great."
Nazza |
Nazza thanks her new drinking companions and takes a swig of ale. She scowls at the mention of a necromancer, nervously smoothing back her neatly pulled back dreadlocks. "Necros are bad news. At least they're obvious about it, though. Sure, they'll skulk around graveyards and keep out of sight of the guards, but once you get to their hideout they're pretty open about their nefarious intent. What you really got to watch out for are the sneaky mages--the ones that pretend to be decent folk, just walkin' around in society until they make their power grabs. Harder to bring an axe to a soiree than a dank cave, eh? I guess that's the finesse you're talkin' about," Nazza responds, having talked herself into a more jovial mood.
"Myself, I just came back from a library in Taldor. Don't know if you would have been a fan of that one. Wasn't allowed to swing a sword at anything, and one of the more interesting people I met was a statue!"
Victoria Hennessee |
Victoria quickly finds herself lost in the historic details and looks for an escape.
"Oh, there is Janira " then she waves at her mentor and gets up and walks over to the recruit table. "It has been nice catching up. I will have to hear the rest of this story some other time. If you will excuse me . "
EndlessForms |
"A drink, and some history, perhaps? I am told this is where the Pathfinders began - I assume ye've heard some stories, no doubt. Any favorites?"
The bartender continues pouring drinks and says, "Well, there's some haziness about the origin, actually. Following the death of Selmius Foster on the island of Bhopan, his assistant Adolphus made several donations to maintain one of his mentor’s favorite sites. The exact arrangement between Adolphus and the owners of the Wisp was never disclosed, but it is said that some of this gold came from the same fortune that Adolphus used to found the Pathfinder lodge in Quantium."
"You're the ones for Dreng's package, right? I've got to work for a little while longer but I'll show you downstairs once I'm done."
"You say Sir Reinhart is going to attempt the Test of the Starstone? When is this going to take place?"
"Rumors are rumors and there are just as many theories about when and what as about whether it will actually happen."
"Myself, I just came back from a library in Taldor. Don't know if you would have been a fan of that one. Wasn't allowed to swing a sword at anything, and one of the more interesting people I met was a statue!"
The half-orcs laugh and smack each other on the arm. "Ya see? That's why they don't invite us for many missions. Somethin' would've gotten cut if we were there. And I guess they don't always want that."
"Oh, there is Janira " then she waves at her mentor and gets up and walks over to the recruit table. "It has been nice catching up. I will have to hear the rest of this story some other time. If you will excuse me . "
"Oh, hello there Victoria!" Janira says. "I hope you're enjoying this little piece of Society history!"
EndlessForms |
Sorry, got busy yesterday and didn't have the opportunity to follow up.
The bartender Heryn Gale’s replacement finally arrives and takes over her duties. Heryn then gathers you and escorts you to the cellars below, where she leads you to where Drandle Dreng’s requested vintage is stored. She takes great care in warning you about the treacherous footing in the cellar, noting that she plans on having the wooden board replaced (see the map linked above). "Let's just take it one at a time and move slowly so no one gets hurt," she warns.
Beyond is the chamber is where the Wounded Wisp keeps its supply of specialty wines and ales for important occasions. The particular bottle you seek (a vintage from a year preceding the creation of the Society) sits alone on its own shelf. Heryn Gale points it out to you.
Nazza |
Nazza frowns at the dilapidated cellar floor, considering their options. Turning to their muscled, bald companion, she says, "Hey Saitama, why don't you flex your way over there? You look pretty nimble, I bet you could do it no problem. There's not much sense in all of us trying to cram in that little back room anyway, yeah?" Sme flashes him a smirk. "I'll patch you up if anything goes wrong."
Henrick Bulwark |
"Do be careful! I don't want to explain how we dropped it..."
EndlessForms |
Eventually one of you moves forward and tries to pick up the bottle. However, your tug is met only with resistance at first until the bottle, rather than lifting from the rack, instead shifts up like a lever. The wine rack suddenly slides back into a short stone tunnel that leads deeper in to some forgotten room. . . .
Henrick Bulwark |
"Stuck? Or glued? I wonder if old Dreng had something else in mind for us this evening? He did say he liked playing tricks."
Henrick moves forward and looks down the tunnel. "Best we be takin' a look?"
Nazza |
"I thought I was done with secret passages for a while after the last mission..." Nazza grumbles. "Come on, might as well see what ol' Dreng has in store for us, eh?"
The half-orc tries to suppress a smile as she peeks down the secret passage. "Get out your lights if you need 'em."
Markas Songsteel |
"No point not to find out what is down here," Markas says as he walks towards the front of the group.
Henrick Bulwark |
Given the entrance was secret, Henrick continues to look for secret passages in the stonework (Perception +9 for this purpose).
EndlessForms |
Heryn shakes her head. "I didn't know that was there. I don't think anyone knew that was there."
A sturdy silver chain jutting from the ceiling ends in a glowing orb that radiates yellow light across the rectangular room. A simple desk of polished wood, stacked with documents and scattered notes, shelters a pair of wooden chests against the south wall. A series of cracks along the eastern and western walls form makeshift entrances into exposed caverns.
1d6 ⇒ 2
As you step into the room to examine it further, a hunched-over wretch with long, pliable arms like tentacles capped in five wide, spiny claws steps out into the light in one of the tunnels!
choker: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18
Nazza: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Saitama: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17
Henrick: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
Markas: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
Victoria: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22
Initiative:
1. Victoria
2. Creature
3. Saitama, Markas, Henrick, Nazza
Victoria is up!
Chokers are aberrations with an unerring talent for strangling their victims (grappled victims cannot speak or cast spells with verbal components) and they are also supernaturally quick (can take extra move actions).
Victoria Hennessee |
Victoria calls out
"Creepy thing at 3 o click. "
And she points her hand towards the creature and sends an arc of electricity.
Arc, range touch: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11 damage : 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
EndlessForms |
The creature leaps out of the way of Victoria's bolt as it rushes forward and reaches its arms out of the narrow tunnel to grab at Nazza and Henrick!
tentacle on Nazza: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
damage if hit: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
grab if hit: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18
constrict damage if grabbed: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
tentacle on Henrick: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
damage if hit: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
grab if hit: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19
constrict damage if grabbed: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Initiative:
1. Victoria
2. Creature
3. Saitama, Markas, Henrick, Nazza
You guys are up!