GM PDK'S PFS RPG 'HONOR'S ECHO' FOR PBP GAMEDAY VI (Inactive)

Game Master Purple Dragon Knight

Existing Players: please dot and delete with the character you've chosen to play all 6 quests.

Additional 2 players: wait for confirmation on Discussion page; once you have received the confirmation that you are good to go, come here and dot/delete as per the above.

The Pathfinder lodge in Oppara hides behind the façade of a greasy bait and tackle shop. It provides the standard services to Pathfinders but is notable for its wayfinders, produced by an elderly and talented mage-machinist, named Muesello.

You are all gathered in at the back of the building near the entrance of Venture-Captain Muesello's workshop, away from the rather long line of fishermen at the front of the building.

You wait several hours until the Venture-Captain shows up. "My, you young whipper snappers are early today! even you Sir Durant! when I said tomorrow morning I didn't mean to beat the fishermen to it at the crack of dawn! no matter... here I am. Know that I appreciate your punctuality. Please forgive my lack of clarity on when to meet here. There, come into my shop."

The Venture-Captain unlocks the door and bids you to come in. A large table with several chairs has been adorned with several opened letters.

"I need your help to deal with all of this. Take a look at these and see what you can do. I'm not sure if these requests come from a noble or some kind of historian, but I don't have time for this kind of stuff. The messenger who brought these here assured the Lodge that any required travel will be chartered directly by the gentleman who signed these letters."

Handouts / Maps

---While waiting for the Venture-Captain to show up---

Joining the group waiting for the meeting is a slender half-elf with platinum blonde hair and blue eyes. He is wearing a simple chain shirt but seems to have no weapons on him. He smiles as he greets everyone.

"I'm Vello Tiskan, let us hope we all come back on this mission."

---In Workshop---

Vello starts to read the letters on the large table.

"I see. You want us to take on these missions for Remaio Alcasti about his ancestor Honaria."

Sir Durant Aumarideth stands to attention as the Venture-Captain enters the office and remains in that position until he is directed to read the letters before him. After scanning each of them, he shares them with the other Pathfinders assembled with him in the small lodge. "Both a noble and a historian from what these letters suggest, Sir, though it would seem as if the former of those positions is a matter of some debate. He does not mention the situation directly, but alludes to the fact that this ancestor of his, Honaria Alcasti, was a hero among the Taldan people of her time. But for some reason, it appears that this ancestor's name was besmirched, and Master Remaio seeks to restore its former honor. I will be glad to take up this mission, Sir, especially if the honor of one praised by Aroden himself is in question!"

Otto trundles in, clearly an old salt-beard with a weather-worn and sun-bleached hair.

"'Ere" grunts Otto as he listens to Vello's explanation of the letters.

"Yes Master Tiskan, that is correct. You know the drill: if it goes bad don't implicate or at least minimize the damage on the Society... if it goes well and it looks good on the Society, make sure your report is accurate and list everyone that benefited from the Society's help. A favor in the bank is never a bad thing. I'm hoping it doesn't go bad. Remember you will act as agents of the Society. It's one thing to help, but make sure not to draw trouble back to the Society by giving the help. Otherwise, what's the point of aiding this family if we make new enemies somewhere else? As usual though, feel free to defend yourselves if you feel threatened or to intervene if you witness something that would be unspeakable from a Society's perspective"

You sense that despite his innocuous, craftsman appearance, Muesello has probably been in Oppara a long time, and he's starting to tackle things like a politician. Not a bad Venture-Captain to be leading this particular task, you think...

"Good show, Sir Durant! despite the secretive nature of this Lodge, which has been operated informally for so, so long, it is nice to see formality in the flesh once in a while. It reminds me that I'm part of something good and noble, and that I'm not just a glorified clock repairman! I admire your spirit and enthusiasm, but I warn you Sir: do remain impartial in your negotiations and dealings abroad. We cannot predict what the Crown's decision will be in regards to this family, regardless of how good the evidence you'll uncover will be. I am unsure whether the honor was besmirched maliciously or justly. I am glad that one such as you is part of these missions however, as I am sure you will handle the subject with the respect and gravitas it deserves. A few agents I've dealt with over the years treat everything like an errands list, and sometimes do more damage than the mission is worth."

"I gather you are Master Boulderspine, yes?" says Muesello as he sees the unusual-looking dwarf enter. "I must admit I've never met you and your file is a bit thin - would you be new at Pathfindering? sit, please... sit. Welcome to the Society! I do hope you'll enjoy the work and make friends in our organization. I'll get some coffee brewing... or would you prefer something else?

As the dwarf settles with the others and Muesello starts pouring the coffee, he eyes the dwarf and says, "What may be your powers or specialty, Master Boulderspine? lovely name by the by! where are you from?"

Otto grumbles a bit "Aye, paperwork always laggin' behind. I grew up 'ere an' 'sere in the Shackles but recently finished my Pathfinder training. Of course first thing that happens to me is Amara Lee ships my butt to Tian Sha. I'm only finally gettin back now."

Otoo follows with a long stream of extremely dull complaints regarding the journey.

Vello lifts up the first letter, "I suggest we just take the missions in order received."

He looks over the letter, "Hmm... this one says there is a talking tree, perhaps a Treant, that can be found in Verduran Forest to the north and that we should visit the Wildwood Lodge for a guide."

There have been rumors of this Ulfen, that he had a dangerous past in the North but was turned from his ways by an encounter with a renowned Pathfinder champion. Mohag has since taken up the cause of exploration with great zeal and has newly joined the Society.
"Why, it seems these missions will take us around the world and back again! Desna favors us!
I would be glad to lend my skills of healing and my blessings of luck."

You note that Muesello appears in awe when Mohag speaks and hangs from his every word. Mohag is no doubt aware of the Taldan fascination with all things Ulfen at this point. "An Ulfen man in Oppara can die rich just walking around the street and accept people's money just for being Ulfen... it is mighty noble of you to volunteer for this task and not take the easy path!"

A big Chelaxian man with piercing blue eyes and a Naginata strapped to his back stands quietly as the group examines the letters, except to curse quietly under his breath in Tien when Otto mentions Tien Sha.

As he finishes reading through the papers, he frowns, almost seeming to sneer slightly at them. "Hmph. Looks easy enough, all things considered. Will probably end up a bloody mess if this ancestor really deserves the besmirching these letters talk about. We still get paid either way, correct?" His eyes snap up, staring intently at Muesello.

Vello lifts up the first letter, "I suggest we just take the missions in order received."

He looks over the letter, "Hmm... this one says there is a talking tree, perhaps a Treant, that can be found in Verduran Forest to the north and that we should visit the Wildwood Lodge for a guide."

Durant nods in appreciation of Vello's business-like manner. "Yes, that seems like a reasonable course, Vello. I'm very far from home here, though. Does anyone know anything about this Wildwood Lodge?"

Mohag looks somewhat pensive at Muesello's comments.
"Yes, taking the easy way... There was a time, Venture-Captain. But my eyes have been opened.
How will we pay for passage to all these places? I do not have much in the way of coin. I can walk a long ways, and forage from the land, of course."
Would Knowledge (Geography) help with the Wildwood Lodge?

Muesello does not look at Vindex at all when he replies, "Correct."

Turning to address Mohag, he adds, now smiling again, "Fear not dear Mohag the Wanderer: Remaio Alcasti will pay for all your travels. Pathfinders don't walk unless they want to!"

I will advance tomorrow after Barid's intro.

"Good enough for me." He looks around briefly, gaze flitting over the group one at a time. "I'm Vindex. I imagine we'll be seeing a lot of each other over the next few weeks. Tree sounds fine to start."

Yeesh, I don't have time to look at my computer for one day and everything blows up.

A short Vudran man with quiet steps and a large pack takes the letters last, eyebrow raising with each successive letter.

"Verduran Forest, Basilica of the Last Man, Qadira, Andoran, and I assume somewhere near Oppara for the mausoleum. Quite the journey to make, sounds almost like a tour of the Inner Sea. Sounds wonderful!"

A young man comes in right before lunch, taking everyone's lunch order and grabbing the Venture-Captain's correspondence for the day. After confirming your plans with you, Muesello adds a letter to the pile before the young man leaves, adding, "Make sure you start with this letter, son. Bring it immediately to Mister Alcasti so that he can finalize transit details to the Verdurant Forest."

You have the rest of the day to prepare in any way you see fit. The next morning you all board a passenger ship to Cassomir, and from there you transfer to a smaller river boat. The journey of a few days to the Verdurant Forest is otherwise uneventful.

As the boat glides to a stop among the sweet-smelling blackwood trees on the river’s edge, a gnome woman with twigs braided into her hair waves to the boat’s pilot. A small bear waits patiently at her heel, while a red-bearded dwarf glowers over her shoulder.

The vessel’s pilot wishes you well and promises to wait here for your return. As you step off the boat, the gnome lady says, "Pathfinders yes? - I'm Trajet. My dwarf brother here is Polgrin, and the bear goes by Firepaw. We've been tasked to be yer guides to your destination. Let's go."

The guides set out at a good pace and the docks quickly disappear as you are engulfed by the forest trails.

Barid shoulders his pack and checks that his boots soles are still good to go before stepping off the docks and following the guides.

Vello enjoyed the smell of the sea as they travelled to their destination and shows signs of regret as they leave the dock area behind.

"Trajet, can you tell us what kind of threats we might come across in Verduran Forest?"

This far south, the forest is much different than the ones Mohag is used to. He takes in the smells, looks at the trees, and watches for wildlife as he hikes. Different birds, different deer. He is fascinated.

Trajet looks at Vello with a sneer, saying “Perhaps it would be best if you all just left the forest.”

Sense Motive: 1d20 ⇒ 18

"Begging your pardon, Miss Trajet, but we meant no offense in coming here. We only mean to learn some of the history of this area, then we will be on our way and will leave you in peace once again."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11

sense motive: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15

Otto grumbles "I get that ya don't like us, but the fastest way to get rid of us is to help us along our way, an' then we'll be goin'"

Trajet's suggestion earns her a disapproving look from Polgrin, but the gnome does not elaborate further. Both Trajet and Polgrin are now quiet. After what seems to be an eternity along the wooded trail, you see a rain-fed stream rushing between the trees, running parallel to your trail and flowing back towards the Sellen River where you came from. The canopy above is thick enough to cast the area into green twilight and provide home to the dozens of birds chattering above. The path breaks away from the stream leading to a small clearing to the west that holds several weathered tombstones.

Map

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
Mohag whispers to his comrades as they walk,
"The dwarf dislikes us. The gnome Trajet really hates us. Can't tell why. Be on guard."

Vello nods at Mohag as he glances over at the tombstones. "Odd place to put tombstones. I wonder who was buried there."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11

Vindex trudges along silently with the group. He gives dubious glares at the two guides as he nods at Mohag's observation, but doesn't say anything. He keeps his hand on his Naginata as he peers around the clearing, searching for any hidden dangers.

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Polgrin looks at Vello and says, "One of the tombstones belongs to my ancestor, who granted the tree its ability to speak, and the two beside it belonged to her children. The tree was given the gift of speech so it could explain the damage that the Taldane nobles at the time were doing to the forest. Since then, it’s become an advisor and judge for the local druids."

Do you all continue following the guides or do you take a pause to inspect the tombstones?

Vello's curiosity wants him to investigate the tombs, but with one of the guides stating it was their ancestor, he decides it might be more prudent to not.

"Let us continue on. I really look forward to meeting this wise tree."

"That is a wondrous deed by your ancestor, Polgrin. I wish to pay my respects at the grave with a quick prayer to Desna. Would you allow that?"
I imagine Diplomacy will be needed since they don't much like us. Using both Inspired (trait) and Inexplicable Luck (feat):
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20
So, 20.

Heh. They dislike us, hate us even. Nothing too surprising there. I wonder why though.

Hearing the tale of who is buried in the small clearing, Sir Durant stops to turn off the trail for a moment. "Ah, I hope a brief pause to pay our respects wouldn't be out of the question," he says, not really waiting for the guides to give consent. The aged knight walks along the short path, then kneels before the central tombstone. "Revered ancestors, we come to honor your legacy and your wisdom. May our time within your realms be peaceful, and may whatever harms were done in the past remain in the past."

Standing again he brushes away any misplaced foliage and examines the gravesite.

Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 1

Mohag, as you pay your respects you note, despite the moss covering everything, some writing on the central stone: “Aurenia, speaker of the forest.”

After some pay their respects to Polgrin's ancestors, the group carries on, following the two guides and their bear friend.

As you round the bend, a massive old blackwood tree stands at the side of the trail. Sheets of moss cling to its bark, covering it entirely except for a jagged crack that suggests a mouth.

Trajet calls out to the tree, "O wise one, I ask you to pass judgement on these outsiders! may we have your permission to punish them at once! for they shame the Wildwood Lodge with their bribes and treat the sacred tree as a mere servant! their corruption knows no bound! countless druids have fallen in with these outsiders, serving as their lapdogs and enabling the depletion of this grand forest!"

The tree's mouth widen as if breathing in for the first time in days, then calmly replies to Trajet's tirade. "Little one. Be calm. Listen to nature. The outsiders are our guests. I will not, could not, give you this permission. I will not, could not, grant authorization. Nature does not strike back. It grows back, little one. The greenery will cover the last remnants of their civilization one day, and-"

"NNNNNNNNNNNNNNO!! SHUT UP, OLD TREE! YOUR PLATITUDES SERVE NOTHING! I WILL TAKE CARE OF THESE VIOLATORS MYSELF IF NEED BE!"

Polgrin looks uneasy, torn between his fellow guide and respecting the old tree's wisdom... the bear yawns, or roars... you're not sure... he looks a bit upset and agitated as Trajet paces around angrily pointing at you all.

What do you do?

"Peace, Trajet. Show respect to Aurenia's sacred tree. We come here humbly asking for wisdom. We do not make demands, nor do we pillage.
Indeed this tree was granted speech by Aurenia that outsiders might learn the error of their ways, was it not?
So if we have erred, let us learn better. I have done so before in my life."
The Ulfen man takes some jerky from his food pouch and offers it to the bear.
"Sir Durant, perhaps you can explain better than I."

Vindex clenches his jaw and keeps his hand grasped tightly on the hilt of his Naginata. He keeps it sheathed behind his back, but does not make any overly threatening moves other than to glare at Trajet.

Otto stares down Trajet, mentally counting targets. Surely he's got to realize he's outnumbered...

Durant holds up his hands to show he means no harm and says to the gnome, "Yes, peace, Trajet. Please, let us have peace. We bring no ill will with us, and mean to leave only with what wisdom the Tree Spirit will grant us. My friend from the north speaks truly. We mean only to learn. If you truly do hold this spirit in high regard, I beg you to heed its word. Even your friend Polgrin here seems unsure of this course you have chosen. Do not let this be a day of darkness, but let the light of reason and friendship redeem the relationship the inhabitants of this forest once had with those from without."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28

Barid's pack slips from his shoulders and groans in relief. "Sir Durant has a lot of good points. You speak of depleting the forest. Please tell us about it, and if we have time we may be able to help, we are all problem solvers of a sort."

Diplomacy Assist: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

"Sir Durant is right. We didn't come to fight you or take anything away from the forest. Merely to talk to the tree."

Diplomacy Assist: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (11) + 0 = 11

"grrr... yet you're not saying your people will stop killing trees in this forest... always... always with your WORDS!!! YOUR MEANINGLESS WORDS!" yells Trajet, as she finally snaps.

SURPRISE:
Trajet orders Firepaw to attack (free action) and starts casting something.

The tree speaks as Trajet starts casting, "Dear guests! please show mercy to my children!! They are sometimes misguided!!"

Map

ROUND 1: (bold may go)
Tree
Sir Durant (unarmed)
Barid (unarmed)
Otto (unarmed)
Vindex (unarmed)
Vello (unarmed)
Polgrin (unarmed)
Trajet (unarmed)
Firepaw
Mohag (unarmed)

spellcraft: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

Otto can't make out the spell, but doesn't wait for the gnome to finish casting and find out.

Otto steps up to the gnome Trajet and draws forth his shimmering ghostly cutlass and attempts to stop the gnome from casting.

draw weapon, 5ft step SE, attack

cutlass: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Sir Durant nods up toward the tree, then looks with shock as Otto summons a ghostly blade to strike at the gnome. "Otto, no! Defend yourself, but try to subdue the gnome without harming her too severely!" The knight rushes toward the smaller creature and, knowing that he has the advantage of size and likely of strength, he tries to seize her arms to stop her casting her spells.

Move and attempt to grapple Trajet. This will provoke an attack of opportunity.
I'm currently at AC16 without my shield equipped.

Grapple: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

Otto conjures some kind of spirit blade but Trajet nimbly dodges under the attempted strike. Sir Durant steps up and grabs Trajet in a bear hug.

Trajet Concentration: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Trajet is unable to maintain her spellcasting, and the spent magic fizzles harmlessly!

Polgrin sees Otto conjure some weapon and says, "Hey you! back off!" as he reaches for his spear.

ROUND 1: (bold may go)
Tree
Sir Durant (unarmed)
Barid (unarmed)
Otto (unarmed)
Vindex (unarmed)
Vello (unarmed)
Polgrin (unarmed)
Trajet (unarmed)
Firepaw
Mohag (unarmed)

Barid draws his own blade and moves next to Otto, point aimed at Polgrin, "Easy friend! We're trying to subdue your companion and the only way some of us are able to is to knock her out and heal her back up! No permanent harm I swear. Sir Durant seems to have her in hand at the moment, if you could help us calm her down then we can end all of this."

Vello faces Firepaw as he holds his right hand out. A cold mist quickly forms in his hand. "Call off your beast, Trajet if you don't want it to die."

Readies a Cold Blast to shoot Firepaw if not called off.

Cold Blast (Range Touch)*If Firepaw is not called off.: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22
Crit Confirm: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Cold Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
+ Crit Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

"Vello, NO!! It's just a cub!"

Botting Vindex: delay

"Well, ye call me friend yet ye've drawn steel against me boy," says Polgrin drawing his own weapon. "Plus that fancy elf beside ye is pointin' magicks at our bear. Time to even our odds methinks."

burning hands vs. Vello, Baird, Otto and Mohag; DC 13 for half: 1d4 ⇒ 1

Firepaw eats the jerky Mohag gave him.

Trajet speaks words of druidic power despite Sir Durant's grapple!

Concentration DC 16: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

Her spell is thwarted once more!

Mohag is up!