Luisila |
Slightly disappointed (but not surprised) that the VCs Heidmarch refused to allow her full Elven name to be included as one of the six authors of the latest edition of the Pathfinder Chronicles, Luisila is nonetheless delighted to see the name:
Mountjoy, L(dot) C(dot) in print.
"Wait 'til Zynep and Eadie see this!"
GM Tektite |
You've each been summoned to Rahadoum, the secular country that has turned its back to the gods. In the port city of Manaket, at the Society's Swordmeet Lodge, Venture Captain Obo arrives to begin the briefing....
Incense hangs heavy in the air in a meeting chamber of Manaket’s Swordmeet Lodge, where Venture-Captain Obo stands before a low table. “I won’t mince words,” he declares as he strokes his graying beard. “This mission is of vital importance to the Pathfinders’ success in the Worldwound. The Society has many powerful spellcasters, yet few can compare to the Riftwardens in feats of demon-banishing. That Abyssal scar spawns many demons, and the aid of capable abjurers would be a great boon in our march to Jormurdun, the newly discovered Sky Citadel . When our leaders requested the Riftwardens’ aid, we were denied; too many of their wizards are already committed to Mendev’s cause.”
Obo’s face betrays his chagrin, and he continues. “However, in saying no, they tantalized us with a means of securing their trust and alliance. Several Riftwardens led by Jahani Jodinaj and stationed in Azir were recently preparing for a dangerous task, but they recently stopped responding to magical missives. Were we Pathfinders to investigate these Riftwardens’ disappearance, we would have performed a great service to be repaid in kind."
Ah,” he notes with some pleasure as two servant carry platters of drinks and fruit into the room, “We have refreshments. May
you find them to your pleasure.” As he begins peeling an orange, he frowns and adds, “We have one potential ally in this investigation, though I doubt he will leap at the chance to help. A contact of mine recently spotted the former Pathfinder Eando Kline in the sook of Azir." He pauses, letting the staement hang in the air.
"He has donned the guise of a copper merchant and likely prefers a degree of anonymity, but he is also a very well-connected man; if anyone knows what ills have befallen the Riftwardens, it is he. Should he not wish to speak, tell him, ‘Sasha Antif-Arah sends her regards—healthy and alive from Andoran.’ “Beyond that, be careful, Pathfinders. The sands of Rahadoum are unforgiving, and the Pure Legion is even less so.” He eyes you over his orange, a rivulet of juice running down his beard. "Questions?"
Ernest Kalthet |
diplo: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15 local: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23 history: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (9) + 14 = 23 religion: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13
Ernest is a Garundi teenager with standard/obvious caster equipment, though has mostly inherited his mother's Chelish-white skin (though has his paternal dark-brown hair.) He wears clothes that are moderately too wide for him and bears his Limited Edition Wayfinder in full glory. He actively, during the briefing, holds a pig (whom thrashes towards the out-of-reach snacks.)
To those who know Ernest, but have not seen him since his promotion to the Prestigious title of "Pathfinder Field Agent," he has currently lost roughly 30 lbs. To those who were with him in the Tapestry making friends, he is nearly identical and unchanged.
Ernest is distressed as ever at the mentioning of Eando. "Wh-what?!? Senior Agent Klein?!? But I thought he retired after Issue #371 was published?!? An-and I didn't bring my reading copy for him to sign!"
Luisila |
In addition to her usual adventuring garb, Luisila wears a bronze diadem, which is decorated with a flowing “ribbon” motif of oak leaves, berries and wasps.
However, wasps are not normally associated with Nirmathan nobility.
Interlocked above the coronet, is a second circlet of the copper alloy. This is a highly polished plain ring, with two short, swept azata wings jutting out from it on either side of the half-elf’s head.
*Low Curtsy* followed up with a hug and arm-punch for the big Ulfen. “Anytime, Cleaver. You know that. Now where did I put that …”
Like a conjurer, Luisila produces a giant rolled oats ANZAC cookie in the shape of the tarrasque from her Efficient Quiver. She places it on the ground for Snouts, before strolling over to Ernest. Cake mix cost from UE will go on my ITS, GM Tektite.
“Ernest, you know how there are various monk fighting styles? Mantis, Crane, Boar … a dwarven Pathfinder I know does Snapping Turtle style. Well I’ve developed my own! It’s called Roper style.”
Luisila leaps onto the wizard enveloping him in a giant hug.
Once he’s been released, Luisila says. “Ernest, have you lost weight? Looking good, buddy! You should write a book about how you managed it.”
I wonder if he’s trying to impress someone? *giggle*
♗♗♗♗
VC Obo?!? Für realz? I’ll play him like a piccolo …
“Just how cool and accomplished where those Pathfinders that re-discovered Jormurdun, Venture-Captain?”
Knowledge (Religion) + Guidance: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 4 + 1 = 16
“Does Eando Kline have any know associates in town?”
“Do you know how many Riftwardens went missing and what activities they were engaged in at the time? They’ve got a direct enemy, don’t they? Like we have the Aspis … Blacktires In-debt or something? Are they prominent in town?”
Ernest Kalthet |
Kn(d) vs Roper: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20
Ernest responds to the embrace akin to how he has historically; with much uncomfortableness and awkwardness (but not running out of the room this time). "Um-puah, uh, this, uh, that is al-already, uh, the thing tha-that Turtle Style, uh, what they, uh, do, uh, when, uh, attacked..."
Given a second to reboot, he notes to the priestess/nobility, "Oh! I don't think I've shown you my PFA1265MLE Model Wayfinder! It has a distance talky option! They gave it to me when I was Certified as a Field Agent!" He pauses, "But that can wait until after the briefing."
Not that he waits for the next bit of exposition... "Oh! And I got certified as a Field Agent! I can do magic trap stuff and climb and swim and stuff now! It was a bunch of work and I had to diet and stuff, but I think it all paid off!"
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Professor Snouts Oinkerton |
"You were much cooler at regular size," Snouts oinks back, only momentarily pausing from what he considers his best meal in months.
The two get into a familiar/Wizard argument about the virtues of personal health, entirely in pig sounds until further interrupted.
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Luisila |
The two get into a familiar/Wizard argument ... entirely in pig sounds until further interrupted.
“Right, break it up you two.” Luisila says in a tone that is more ‘mom’ than ‘Calistrian cleric.’
(Though she can’t hide a smile)
The half-elf grabs one side of her green cloak and *bobs* to her clerical companion. “Hi there, Bray. Do you know Ernest Kalthet? I last saw Ernie in Magnimar at yet another stele site.”
Luisila pauses to think. “Threv wept. That’s a while ago, Ernest.”
“I am definitely interested in hearing more about your Wayfinder, Special Agent Kalthet. I think a Dayfinder would be pretty cool … but VC Valsin just shakes his head every time I bring the subject of one up with him.”
Chelsea Flamebrand |
Chelsea is tall thin woman. Her hair is shoulder length and is stark white, with crimson red tips that match her eyes. She wears a predominantly violet robe, with red and white flame motifs at the cuffs.
Diplomacy 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
"So all we need to do is find these riftwardens, then they help us in kind? Do we know what their last response was?" Chelsea asks the venture captain.
GM Tektite |
Obo answers Luisila's questions, saying. "I do not know the agents who discovered Jormordun, but I assume they were accomplished agents." He picks up another orange and continues. "I was not told how many Riftwardens went missing, nor their business at the time. You are correct though, the Riftwardens are usually opposed to groups that summon outsiders, such as the Blackfire Adepts. As far as Kline, we don't know much, he is keeping a low profile obviously."
Luisila |
Luisila exchanges air kisses with the flambé femme.
“Lovely to see you again, Chelsea. That caper in Taldor was fun! Is Rahadoum hot enough for you?”
Well, who would have thought … another VERY helpful Venture-Captain.
“Once the party is complete, I am ready to find Mr Kline. Does anyone know who our sixth is?”
Spell list nearly finalized.
Brachus |
Brachus counts his fingers
"Luisila, Varg, Chelsea, Ernest, Linnea..that makes a full hand. And me..that's 6 right? Or do we count the pig..then it's more."
Or did someone not show up in character yet?
Luisila |
An excited tone enters Luisila’s voice. “Oh, is Lin coming along too, Bray?”
Luisila smiles and looks at Ernest. “Excellent.”
GM Tektite |
Once the party has made all necessary preparations, you board a ship bound for Azir. The journey is pleasant and uneventful as you sail past the Arch of Aroden, leaving behind the Inner Sea. Hugging the coast as you sail in the Arcadian, quickly enough the city Azir.
As you sail towards the docks, the captain of the ship reminds you that Rhahadoum does not tolerate any items of a religious nature and all ships are searched upon docking.
Ernest Kalthet |
Preship
"Wait, is she here? Did she leave already, or is she invisible or something?"
Ernest excitedly (with a hint of panic) look around people for this supposed Linnea. Snouts is proportionally unhappy, having finished his snack to the name of his personal Harbinger of Famine.
---
Boat
"Oh, I should have said something about that! It's been a while since I've actually been in the field!"
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Linnea Joculus |
The meeting room door bursts open and a half elf enters with apologies, "I am so sorry for being late, Venture Captain! It's just that, well, I haven't ever been to Rahadoum and just had to see the sights. And so I found myself in this charming little open air market and just lost myself sampling some of the wares - quite a lovely place, though a bit dry for my tastes. Wait, Ernie!?"
The half elf practically teleports across the room and embraces her wizard friend. As Ernie squirms, Linnea realizes she may be causing a scene. She lets Ernie loose and holds out her hand to shake. "Ahem - Ernest, my friend, how are you? You look," she eyes Ernie up and down, noting his trimmed appearance, "goood."
She then bends down and pats the pig. "Oh, Professor Snouts, still have that keen nose for snacks? How about some Rahadoumian dates. Just picked them up on the way here." Linnea retrieves a small cloth bag with the dates and drops a few for Snouts.
Know your Religion: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14
After getting caught up on the particulars, Linnea has nothing to add. "Ernie, you simply must tell me about becoming a field agent for the society. Perhaps we will have time after we deal with this current problem, yes?"
Luisila |
Luisila unbuttons a crocigator skin purse attached to and matching her belt. “Bray, I’ve placed all my holy symbols, scrolls and wands that can’t be cast via arcane means into my Pathfinder’s Pouch. You are welcome to do the same.”
“Just in case something happens to me, I’ll tell you the password. But I tried to think of something obscure … and it is a bit rude so I’ll whisper it in your ear.”
If Cayden Cailean’s cleric agrees, Luisila will cup her hands and hold them up to his ear and whisper the password …
♝♞♝♞♝♞
Whoa!! I never thought I’d hear myself say this … but I might need to start thinking the same way as Eadie!
“OK everyone, I have decided to be a tank-archer for the benefits of our hosts in Azir. Shouldn’t be too hard to be convincing.”
“Elves are always archers, right? And everyone knows archer clerics are soooooo looze-fail-suq. Nobody would take that path anyway.” *Rolls eyes*
Hi, Lin! Was getting a bit worried about you.
Ernest Kalthet |
That thing was basically designed for travel in the land of the Laws of Man. Like a pint-sized Bag of Concealment.
Ernest, caught off-guard by the new and different-to-him rendition of the classic Linnea, pieces the situation together during his second grappling of the day. "Oh! Uh, you, uh, look, uh, um, different ... too! You got, uh, more, uh, stuff on your, uh, face. I mean regular, stuff you wear on your face stuff! Like, um, what was that, oh! Makeup! That! Not, like, other... stuff."
He has less difficulty with the handshake and the ensuing conversation until after the familiar is fed. "Um, the, uh, term you're looking for is 'Rahadoumi'. The use of the, uh, suffix "i" in this region is--"
"Wait, did she say dates?!? Is this some kind of code?!? An entendre or not-very-hidden meaning something?!? I don't know how to DATE! She must have meant the food dates. Mother warned me about other girls and their cyphers that bind unknowing men to Hell... or something... I don't even remember a clear point to those lessons, now that I think about it..."
He hastily regains what little composure he can before she returns to eye level. "But, uh, yeah, I'm sure we could talk later about stuff. I mean, if you want to. Maybe over more dates. I mean dates, like the food dates, not, like, dates-dates. I mean, that could be a date-date, but in more of a pun-way than anything else, but, uh..."
confusion: 1d100 ⇒ 48 Ernest continues to babble incoherently.
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Professor Snouts Oinkerton |
Snouts is at his grumpiest... "You can't just buy me off like that..." for about three-and-a-half seconds until he devours the additional food. "Maybe just for a little while, but you're on loose sand, missy."
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GM Tektite |
Luisila and Brachus stows their relgious icons within Luisila's purse and the ship glides into the dock. After being tied up, the gangplank is lowered and a group of customs officials along with two Pure Legionnaires. The Legionnaires approach the party and ask you to declare any religious texts, icons, or other objects that they are bringing into the country. Following this, the legionnaires run a quick search of the party's belongings for holy symbols.
2d20 ⇒ (5, 10) = 15
Finding nothing incriminating on the party, they bid you to enjoy your stay in Azir......
As you disembark, the heat of the midday sun accentuates the strange juxtaposition of salty sea air and dry, desert wind, just as the Rahadoumi caravans mingle with sailors from a dozen lands to make the markets of Azir a bustling, cosmopolitan hub of western Garund.
The city’s edifices ranges from old constructions rejuvenated with elegant murals and exotic carvings to much newer buildings built with irregular angles and acute corners that combine to create an elegant mosaic of art and architecture. A vibrant soundscape overlays this visual effect, combining the sound of men haggling over baskets of dates, camels bleating in protest to their handlers’ commands, and the chorus of seagulls that soar overhead in search of an easy meal.
Where to?
Luisila |
As they pass the customs officials, Luisila will completely ignore them while pretending to complain to Linnea.
“But I’m an archer! An ARCHER I tell you, Lin! Why should I have to go up front and take one for the team? Can’t someone else do it? Chelsea has mage armor doesn’t she?”
In a quiet alleyway, Luisila will return Brachus’ holy icons to him. She wears her silver necklace under her blouse and keeps a wooden triple-dagger emblem in each pants pocket.
“Cleaver, can you please keep a look out?”
"Let's at least attempt to find this Kline"
“Agreed. Let’s try and find ‘copper merchant’ Eando Kline in the souk.”
Luisila accosts a passing local, and says in Taldane while gesturing at Ernest. “I’m in need of some copper pipe. My wizard friend has a bound fire elemental for heating water in his new house. Unfortunately, the plumbing needs redoing. Is there an honest copper merchant in the souk you could recommend?”
Aid Brachus’s Diplomacy (Gather Info) + Guidance: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 5 + 1 = 16
Chelsea Flamebrand |
Speaking of mage armor. I'll be putting up False Life and Mage Armor whenever we reach an area where things start to look sketchy.
"Something has gone seriously wrong if any armor I am using comes into play." Chelsea responds with a glare once they are inside the walls.
Luisila |
The sides of Luisila’s mouth tighten and she shakes her head at the lack of progress the party is making in trying to find Eando Kline.
“Phew! And it’s so hot!”
Luisila very nearly casts Create Water to give herself and her companions some respite from the heat … but catches herself just in time!
“This is hopeless. Maybe we should try the Riftwarden Leader Jahani Jodinaj’s place?”
"Ernest, you got the address from VC Obo, right? Or was it you, Brachus?"
Linnea Joculus |
Linnea hooks an arm around Varg's neck. "Great to be back with you guys! Still breaking necks, Cleaver?"
Linnea waves her arms at Luisila in mock exasperation. "Fine, fine FINE! Lu - stay behind and fire your bow - be the archer. I'll put the whip to use - up front with Varg. You just - do what you do my dear."
After wandering the streets of Azir trying to chase down a copper merchant, but getting pretty much nowhere, Linnea has an idea.
"Hey Ernie! What about that special wayfinder you got for being a Field Agent? Think that could help us? Is it that special? Wait, one of you got the address of a contact? Well, then - let's go. C'mon Ernie!"
Ernest Kalthet |
"Hey Ernie! What about that special wayfinder you got for being a Field Agent? Think that could help us? Is it that special?
A "Um, uh, it, uh, only works, to about, like, 10 meters out... But, I mean, it's got my initials engraved in it and stuff..."
---
As the majordomo inquires, Ernest waits to see the plan of discussion (aware that this particular group of individuals has taken a number of different directions and sometimes ruses in the past.)
Luisila |
Assuming this guy really is Jodinaj’s majordomo, I’m thinking honesty is the best policy.
Luisila gives the man the once-over checking for any stereotypical Blackfire Adept/conjurer/summoner characteristics.
Take 10 Perception: 10 + 17 = 27
Assuming there are none, she smiles before saying “Masā' al-khayr, Good afternoon (Osiriani) sir. My apologies, we have no appointment with your master, mainly because we know he is missing.”
Luisila pauses to let that sink in before continuing. “We are Pathfinders – implacably opposed to the esteemed Jahani Jodinaj’s enemy, the Blackfire Adepts. We are seeking to help your master any way we can for mutual benefit.”
Aid Diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18
Brachus |
"If you would be so kind as to announce your arrival to your esteemed master we would appreciate that"
Diplomacy (if needed and we can't just walk in): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (4) + 13 = 17 (+2 if I get to use Luisila's aid another)
GM Tektite |
After Luisila introdues the party to the woman, the majordomo's shoulder relax slightly. He motins for the party to follow her into the manor.
She shows you to a small parlor and says, in a business-like tone. "My name is Akhina. I know, as few, but yourselves do, the my mistress is a Riftwarden. I'm glad you have showed up, as I have begun to fear for my mistress. Approximately 2 weeks ago, hmy mistress began withdrawing from public events disappearing for longer and longer times, and acting very secretively. She instructed me to be careful about whom she admitted through the gate. The only guest that my mistress, Jahani entertained during this time was a Taldan copper merchant named Maroc, whom she met with several times in her study." She sighs and glances around, then says.
"Approximately a week ago, Jahani disappeared and has not returned. I fear the worst."
Ernest Kalthet |
"This Maroc, uh, can you describe them or anything strange about their mannerisms or whatever?" Ernest immediately asks.
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Ernest Kalthet |
I can knowledge at it, if desired. Or reference a "Pathfinders of Great Renown" pin up that may or may not be hanging in his room back in Osirion. Though such an appearance may be out of date.
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