GM Tektite's PFS #6 Black Waters (Inactive)

Game Master Hawkwen Agricola

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Black and watery dot.

Liberty's Edge

Female Human War Priest 1 | BAB 0 | HP 11 | AC 17 | T 12 | FF 15 | Fort +4 | Ref +2 | Will +5 | CMD 15 | Init +4 | Perc +3 |

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Sovereign Court

Female Ifrit Swashbuckler 2 | BAB +2 | HP 20 | AC 18 | T 14 | FF 14 | Fort +2 | Ref +7 | Will -1 | CMD 18 | Init +10 | Perc +3 |

dot

Silver Crusade

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Female Kitsune Oracle 1 | BAB 0 | HP 9 | AC 18 | T 13 | FF 14 | Fort +2 | Ref +3 | Will +1 | CMD 13 | Init +2 | Perc -1 |

dot dot dot?


On a brisk fall evening, a Pathfinder Society Venture Captain, Drandle Drenge welcomes the party into his modest Absalom home for an impromptu meeting. He offers chairs and drinks, wipes sweat from his brow, and dives into business.....

Venture Captain Drandle Drenge, a stout and hardy Taldan with thin, graying hair and a thick, bushy mustache, unfurls a map on his butcher-block table and places a meaty finger on the parchment. “The abandoned district of Beldrin’s Bluff was once the gem of Absalom’s Precipice District—now it is but a weathered crag of broken rock at the edge of the roiling sea. When the great quake hit ten years ago, entire blocks of the Bluff sheared from the mainland. Cliffside tearooms and exclusive estates fell into the waves and carried hundreds of nobles to a watery grave." Shaking his head, he continues.

"An elite academy, called the Tri-Towers Yard, remained on the mainland, but sank wholesale into the earth. Children unfortunate enough to survive the quake lay pinned under debris as sewer water slowly rose from the ground and drowned them. Nearly every student perished."

He pauses, letting the information sink in. “Today, crumbled stone walls and weed-filled lots sprawl where gentlemen’s clubs once filled with pipe smoke and hobnobbing lords. The Drownyard—er, that’s what the ill-mannered call the school these days—lies behind a fence of black iron pikes, constructed by the families of the dead to discourage morbid trespassers."

“Even respected archaeological groups have been denied official access. Our own Society has itched to explore the site ever since the quake—that is, ever since we discovered that the school fell through the roof of a lost necropolis. Unfortunately, the emotional trauma attached to the school has remained fresh. But finally, after ten years of mourning, the politically-connected families of dead students have sanctioned our delve request.”

With a toothy smile and a clap, Drenge says, “I’m pleased to announce that I’ve selected your team for the delve. I want you to find a way into the necropolis, document your findings with professional detail, and recover artifacts of historical significance. The Society is interested in one artifact in particular—a two-finger ring topped with a ruby salamander.” He stands and beams at your party, waiting for the inevitable questions to start pouring in.

Liberty's Edge

Female Human War Priest 1 | BAB 0 | HP 11 | AC 17 | T 12 | FF 15 | Fort +4 | Ref +2 | Will +5 | CMD 15 | Init +4 | Perc +3 |

Hikari is somewhat distracted while she listens to Drendle Drenge’s history lesson, more focused on her recent Irorium loss to the half-Orc Bludy Nuckles, until he describes the awful fate of the children trapped by the rising waters.

Now listening intently, Hikari waits for the VC Drenge to finish his briefing before speaking.

“A site of such suffering as you describe must be investigated. We must ensure that the spirits of the children are at peace and not tormented by who knows what evil may have been lurking in the necropolis below.”

“What is does the Pathfinder Society know about the necropolis below?”
Know:History: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (2) + 0 = 2
It's obvious I'm new-comer to Absolom!

“Do you have any information about who this ring belonged to and what powers it may contain?”

“After ten years the families of the deceased have finally granted access to the site, are there families who oppose this delve and may cause trouble?”
Know: Local: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (10) + 0 = 10

Liberty's Edge

Male Human Bard 2 | BAB +1 | HP 17 | AC 19 | T 13 | FF 16 | Fort +1 | Ref +5 | Will +3 | CMD 16 | Init +2 | Perc +5 |

"I too am curious and a little cautious about this ring you mention. Necropolises tend to be rather... well, cursed places."

Sovereign Court

Female Ifrit Swashbuckler 2 | BAB +2 | HP 20 | AC 18 | T 14 | FF 14 | Fort +2 | Ref +7 | Will -1 | CMD 18 | Init +10 | Perc +3 |

Reese kicks back in her chair a bit, putting one dusty brown boot up on the table as she twirls a thin dagger between her fingers. Her blue and gold Tian-style dress mostly conceals the thin layer of armor she wears beneath it, but not entirely - nor does it conceal the curved eastern blade or crossbow slung across her back.

Closing her pink-reddish eyelids, she leans her fiery-red hair against the wall behind where she's leaning the chair, nodding at the Tian woman's questions, glad someone on the team has some ideas brewing already.

Reese, on the other hand, could probably use some brewed Garundi coffee about now...


Drenge smiles his toothy grin and squints at Hikari. Well, moldering texts tell of a coastal necropolis, rich with ancient treasures. Until the Tri-Towers Yard sank, no one knew the necropolis’s location.” Winking, he continues. "In ancient times, a wealthy merchant cut a ruby salamander ring from the hand of young cat burglar named Horastian. Horastian later became a renowned information broker and art collector. The Pathfinder Society hopes to magically locate the long-dead thief and his fabled hoard by using the ring as a divination focus."

Drandle Drenge pulls an iron key from his waistcoat. “I leave you with the key to the Drownyard gate. Remember, the Drownyard is a deeply personal site for many powerful Inner Sea families. You will tread upon the graves of their children. Be sure to give the site the respect it deserves.”

Liberty's Edge

Female Human Fighter 4 | BAB +4 | HP 36 | AC 16 | T 12 | FF 15 | Fort +6 | Ref +2 | Will +1 | CMD 9 | Init +1 | Perc +0 |

Juniper can hardly contain her excitement, "Wow! This will be amazing, I wonder what all we'll find down there!" She clears her throat and realizes that perhaps she shouldn't seem so eager. "We will of course be respectful, a truly tragic event happened there."

She looks awkwardly at the ground for a minute.

Liberty's Edge

Female Human War Priest 1 | BAB 0 | HP 11 | AC 17 | T 12 | FF 15 | Fort +4 | Ref +2 | Will +5 | CMD 15 | Init +4 | Perc +3 |

Hikari frowns slightly at Drenge’s words. It seems as if the Pathfinder Society is more interested in the pursuit of wealth rather than ensuring the well-being of the spirits of the deceased, she thinks to herself. To hide her disappointment Hikari touches the jade half-moon pendant she wears around her neck and bows to VC Drenge.

“In Tsukiyo’s name the Drownyards will be cleansed.”

Dressed in simple leggings and a sleeveless shirt, Hikari carries no visible weapons but her hands and feet are wrapped in reinforcing cloth. Looking closely, you may notice a fading bruise under her right eye and a bandage over the bridge of her nose.

She smiles at Juniper’s exuberance, and touches her left fist to the open palm of her right hand and bows slightly to each of her companions in turn.

“I also look forward to joining you all in battle against the evil that is sure to inhabit the necropolis. Our victory will bring peace to the victims and their families and honor their memories.”

Grand Lodge

M Human Slayer 2 | BAB +2 | HP 16 | AC 16 | T 13 | FF 13 | Fort +4 | Ref +6 | Will +2 | CMD 16 | Init +5 | Perc +7 (+9) _ Stealth +8

Realgar Farfax rests against the wall, listening. He winces at the gruesome story and also slightly at the goal. Necropolis.
That'll be something.

Liberty's Edge

Male Human Bard 2 | BAB +1 | HP 17 | AC 19 | T 13 | FF 16 | Fort +1 | Ref +5 | Will +3 | CMD 16 | Init +2 | Perc +5 |

Skylark solemnly accepts the iron key from Drenge's outstretched hand.

The young man looks more like a jester than an adventurer. His shaggy bright blue hair has a bit of a curl to it, and it matches the blue and yellow tunic he wears over his chain shirt, as well as the blue shield he wears on his back. He puts the key to the Drownyards in one of his many pockets, gulps down the last of his wine, and smiles sheepishly at all of you while patting the pommel of his longsword as if to comfort himself.

"You won't regret entrusting this task to us, Captain Drenge. Juniper and I have worked together before." He returns her beaming smile, then looks around at the rest of you. "I don't suppose one of you is a cleric?"

"Well, I'm ready to get going. This night chill is only going to get worse the longer we dally."

Liberty's Edge

Female Human War Priest 1 | BAB 0 | HP 11 | AC 17 | T 12 | FF 15 | Fort +4 | Ref +2 | Will +5 | CMD 15 | Init +4 | Perc +3 |

Hikari glances at the rest of the party to see if anyone has any other questions for Captain Drenge then joins Skylark by the door.

"Let us be off then. Perhaps we can pick up some additional healing supplies on our way through the city. I know of one merchant by the Irorium who may be able to help us with potions."


Leaving Drenge's office, the party makes preparation to delve the Drownyards. While making preparation, a messenger arrives with a letter for Hikari. Without a word, he hands her the letter, nods, then leaves.

Hikari:
It appears you have received and invitation. It reads:

Hero of the Society,
It has come to my attention that you and your cohorts were chosen by the noble Pathfinders to enter and explore what became of the Tri-Towers Yard. As my daughter, Junia, was lost there during the great quake, it seems only proper that you attend the banquet I am holding tomorrow in memory of her. You and your friends should wear your finest and arrive at the Dacilane Estate in the Ivy District at sundown. As you are probably not accustomed to the traditions of nobles, not attending this dinner would be a serious slight upon the memory of my daughter.
Sincerely,
Lady Miranda Dacilane

Liberty's Edge

Female Human War Priest 1 | BAB 0 | HP 11 | AC 17 | T 12 | FF 15 | Fort +4 | Ref +2 | Will +5 | CMD 15 | Init +4 | Perc +3 |

Hikari thanks the messenger and reads the invitation to her companions.

“It looks like our departure will be delayed,” she says. “We’ve been invited to attend a memorial banquet for the lost children at the home of one of the families, a Lady Miranda Dacilane in the Ivy District.”
Hikari pauses for a moment and then continues, “We are to wear ‘our finest’ and arrive at sun down”.

Glancing down briefly at her own attire, Hikari muses, I hope clean and well-made will substitute for finery…

Grand Lodge

M Human Slayer 2 | BAB +2 | HP 16 | AC 16 | T 13 | FF 13 | Fort +4 | Ref +6 | Will +2 | CMD 16 | Init +5 | Perc +7 (+9) _ Stealth +8

"Who?" Farfax thinks over the name

know:local: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26


Farfax thinks he remembers the name Dacilane as one of the aristocratic families of Absalom, likely they sent their children to the Tri-Towers.

Sovereign Court

Female Ifrit Swashbuckler 2 | BAB +2 | HP 20 | AC 18 | T 14 | FF 14 | Fort +2 | Ref +7 | Will -1 | CMD 18 | Init +10 | Perc +3 |

Reese sighs and rises as the group departs the office.

"Our finest? I mean, like, should I go get my performer's outfit, or is she aware that we're Pathfinders and generally don't get invited to banquets much?"

She yawns a bit, tossing the dagger she was twirling up in the air a bit as she covers her mouth, catching it as it comes down with the other hand.

"Sorry, forgot to introduce myself. They call me Reese the Fool, probably because I don't take many things seriously, but I keep hoping it's because they're waiting for me to make a mistake while juggling something sharp...more ways for me to make money busking that way, at least."

Reese flashes a grin at everyone, Juniper in particular, as she slides her dagger into a well-worn leather sheath at her hip, her reddish skin and bright red hair a sharp contrast with her blue-and-gold dress she wears over light-ish armor. Her bright bronze-colored eyes suggest an unusual origin even beyond her Tien style of clothing and hair.

Knowledge Planes 10:
She's an Ifrit.

Liberty's Edge

Male Human Bard 2 | BAB +1 | HP 17 | AC 19 | T 13 | FF 16 | Fort +1 | Ref +5 | Will +3 | CMD 16 | Init +2 | Perc +5 |

Sky dances a little twirling jig in the streets. "A memorial banquet is just the thing to hearten us before this grave affair." He pauses for a moment to let his pun sink in. "In that case, we should shop for supplies and then you should all join me for a practice banquet tonight, my treat. I'll teach you what manners will be expected of us."

Knowledge:Nobility: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

Grand Lodge

M Human Slayer 2 | BAB +2 | HP 16 | AC 16 | T 13 | FF 13 | Fort +4 | Ref +6 | Will +2 | CMD 16 | Init +5 | Perc +7 (+9) _ Stealth +8

"This family is likely going to be a wee sensitive to this expedition. Also likely other families will be present who lost their children. Perhaps, aside from manners, we take a subtle and kind step into their doors"
Farfax eyes the group. Especially Reese.Banquets at an aristocrat house always lead to more information...or a headache behind bars. The situation varies

I forgot to ask, how do we know each other? Or do we?

Liberty's Edge

Female Human War Priest 1 | BAB 0 | HP 11 | AC 17 | T 12 | FF 15 | Fort +4 | Ref +2 | Will +5 | CMD 15 | Init +4 | Perc +3 |

“I agree. We must walk a balanced path in our meeting with the family. Grief can poison any heart into unpredictable action,” Hikari says.

Courtly intrigue and false manners always came easier to Kotori, Hakari thinks while wondering what her older sister, a fellow Pathfinder, is up to. Her last letter before I left Tian said she was on her way to the Shudderwood in Ustalav. Something about werewolves and a secret society…

Bringing her thoughts back to the matter at hand, Hikari looks to her new companions, ready to depart for the banquet.

I’m playing Hikari like she is a new-comer to Absalom and the PF Society. Today was the first time she met the Venture Captain and the rest of you.

Silver Crusade

Female Kitsune Oracle 1 | BAB 0 | HP 9 | AC 18 | T 13 | FF 14 | Fort +2 | Ref +3 | Will +1 | CMD 13 | Init +2 | Perc -1 |

Laeni follows along with the group, keeping mostly to herself and observing the group.

"I think I may know of some good places that can you can pick up some clothing for this event if you need..."

Knowledge: Local: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

She thinks to herself a moment...looking up and down the street as if to jog her memory

Darn - and I thought I posted when I looked at this last

Grand Lodge

M Human Slayer 2 | BAB +2 | HP 16 | AC 16 | T 13 | FF 13 | Fort +4 | Ref +6 | Will +2 | CMD 16 | Init +5 | Perc +7 (+9) _ Stealth +8

A bit about Realgar Farfax. He goes by his last name. He was born in absalom but left young. If trying to make a life for yourself has taught him anything, it's that you can't make an honest one. Not anymore. He speaks as though he eats dirt for breakfast. He might be handsome if he wasn't always squinting and suspicious. He is talented at sneaking in places he shouldn't be and renowned at not being to sneak out. He is a self taught thief and a military trained scout. His penchant for standing up for the little guy has gotten him chased out of both professions. Now, he goes where the pathfinders tell him. Until he feels the need to fly


Cleaning your clothes as well as you can and making yourselves presentable, the party heads out to the Ivy District a little before sundown. Arriving at the address on the invitation you find a sprawling estate surrounded by a tall, wrought-iron fence and overly decorated in statuary, fountains, and a carefully landscaped garden.

Presenting you invitation to the doorman, you are shown into an opulent townhouse, with gilded furniture, painted ceilings, gold-spun wallpaper, and valuable Chelish rugs that, if sold, could easily feed a family in the Puddles District for a year. Over two score of people mingle in small groups while immaculatly dressed server move among them carrying trays full of drinks and hors d'oeuvres. One of the servants pauses in front of your group, proffering imported reefclaw pastries.

Sovereign Court

Female Ifrit Swashbuckler 2 | BAB +2 | HP 20 | AC 18 | T 14 | FF 14 | Fort +2 | Ref +7 | Will -1 | CMD 18 | Init +10 | Perc +3 |

Reese cleans up fairly well, all facts considering. She leaves most of her combat gear at home for the occasion, except for her main wakizashi (which is adjusted so it hangs on her belt behind her - somewhat less visible than normal, at least).

Once the group meets and enters, her eyes widen a bit, seeing all the lavish furnishings, but is quickly distracted by the servant.

"Reefclaw! My favorite!"

She steps past everyone else in the party and grabs one, immediately munching down on it, giving her companions a look of culinary-inspired satisfaction...

as she stealthily snatches two more with her other hand...

Sleight of Hand: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18

She then moves away so her fellow Pathfinders can approach (while stealthily munching on those two using her peers to hide her from view - a vagrant's life on the street rarely brings such fine fare, afterall...)

Stealth: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

Being not-as-clandestine at this, she simply shrugs it off if anyone looks at her strangely for her manners.

Liberty's Edge

Female Human War Priest 1 | BAB 0 | HP 11 | AC 17 | T 12 | FF 15 | Fort +4 | Ref +2 | Will +5 | CMD 15 | Init +4 | Perc +3 |

As a native of the ceremony-loving Minkai region of Tian Xia and the youngest daughter of a lesser daimyo, Hikari is familiar with but not exactly comfortable attending this sort of event.

As a child she would do her duty to greet visiting nobles with the rest of her family but then disappear as quickly as possible to eavesdrop on the conversations and grandiose tales of battles verses road-side brigands and magical beasts told by the guards of the visiting guests and her father's soldiers.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

Suppressing a grin at Reese's attempt to hide her extra pastries, Hikari bows slightly and addresses the servant, "Honor to your house. Please inform Lady Dacilane that the representatives of the Pathfinder Society have arrived and we await her audience."

Despite being dressed in clean robes of Tian fashion and wearing her only valuable possession, a jade necklace of Tsukiyo, Hikari feels out-of-place with the nobles of Absalom and will remain close by her new companions.

Liberty's Edge

Male Human Bard 2 | BAB +1 | HP 17 | AC 19 | T 13 | FF 16 | Fort +1 | Ref +5 | Will +3 | CMD 16 | Init +2 | Perc +5 |

Sky has left his arms and armor at his room at the inn, save for a dagger. With his hair neatly combed and dressed in his least garish dancing attire, he politely declines the offer of a pastry. Instead, he beckons to a servant carrying drinks and gracefully takes two goblets, handing off one to Juniper with a wink, and sipping casually as he surveys the room and gives a smile to anyone who makes eye contact.

He looks for the most interesting group of nobles
Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
Knowledge:Nobility: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

and decides to introduce himself as a pathfinder and a dancer, and to express sympathy for the lost children.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

Liberty's Edge

Female Human Fighter 4 | BAB +4 | HP 36 | AC 16 | T 12 | FF 15 | Fort +6 | Ref +2 | Will +1 | CMD 9 | Init +1 | Perc +0 |

Juniper obviously feels quite uncomfortable out of her armour, she awkwardly tugs at her dress. She looks very small and young at just 5'0", but she is heavily muscled. Wielding her favorite greataxe has obviously bulked her up over the years, a greataxe that she only left at the inn after nearly an hour of Skylark's convincing.

Juniper has been to few parties and has never been very good at small talk, for some reason people just don't enjoy speaking of battle tactics like she does. She looks around a little helplessly and decides to stick with the group as much as possible.

She turns to Hikari, "To be honest, I'm not quite sure what to do with myself. Have you ever been to one of these things?"

Liberty's Edge

Female Human War Priest 1 | BAB 0 | HP 11 | AC 17 | T 12 | FF 15 | Fort +4 | Ref +2 | Will +5 | CMD 15 | Init +4 | Perc +3 |

Hikari whispers to Juniper, "Yes, but I like it no more than you. Nobles like these tend to wield their words like weapons...we should be wary not to offend.
However,"
she pauses and makes a fist, her knuckles cracking, while glancing at a particularly garish couple, "These people are soft. They know little of real world we struggle through everyday. I will suffer no disrespect to myself or my fellow Pathfinders."

Nodding her head towards Skylark, Hikari says, "Personally, I'm hoping Skylark keeps the attention on himself until Lady Dacilane receives us. The sooner we get out of here the better."

Liberty's Edge

Female Human Fighter 4 | BAB +4 | HP 36 | AC 16 | T 12 | FF 15 | Fort +6 | Ref +2 | Will +1 | CMD 9 | Init +1 | Perc +0 |

"That sounds like a good plan!" She smiles at Hikari and then turns to Reese. "So, uh, you think you can get me a couple of those?"

Sovereign Court

Female Ifrit Swashbuckler 2 | BAB +2 | HP 20 | AC 18 | T 14 | FF 14 | Fort +2 | Ref +7 | Will -1 | CMD 18 | Init +10 | Perc +3 |

Reese takes a few very deliberate munches on the reefclaw pastry she's currently consuming, bronze eyes narrowing playfully before taking a quick glance left and right, followed by her extending a hand from the long sleeve of her dress offering two of said pastries to Juniper with a wink.

"Vee-areful, rhey han vee... *gulp* ...a little addicting."


Despite the upturned eyebrows from quite a few guests as they glance at the group of Pathfinders and turns back to whisper at whomever they are speaking to, the party takes advantage of the offerings.

After about a quarter of an hour, there is the sound of silverware tapping on a glass, signaling the start of the dinner. Over the next three hours, the party is assaulted with no less than nine course of food. Lady Dacilane being a proper Chelaxian, the dishes each signify one of the Nine Hells.

Course 1 - Avernus: Hors D’Oeuvres
Thousand-Year Egg w/ Pickled Ginger Root
Duck egg preserved in a mixture of clay, ash, salt, lime and rice hulls for several months. Through the process, the yolk becomes a dark green, cream-like substance with a strong odor of sulfur and ammonia, while the white becomes a dark brown, transparent jelly with little flavor. The transforming agent in the century egg is its alkaline material, which gradually raises the pH of the egg to around 9, 12, or more. This chemical process breaks down some of the complex, flavorless proteins and fats, which produces a variety of smaller flavorful compounds.
The blackened color and history of the egg represent the black wastes and eternity of suffering endured by the denzins of this layer.

Course 2 - Dis: Soup
Coda Alla Vaccinara
A thick stew traditionally served by the greatest families in Cheliax as a nod to those beneath them. Made of oxtail, entrails, and hide (specifically veal), and various vegetables (celery, carrots, tomatoes, garlic) and herbs (bay leaves, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and black pepper). Raisins, candied fruit, and bittersweet chocolate accompanies the dish for the eater to prepare the stew to taste.
This course represents the relationship between the greatest city in hell and the subservience of its devils to Cheliax.

Course 3 - Erebus: Salad
Mixed Greed Salad
This salad contains Almas golden caviar, Beluga caviar, kreel-caught langoustines, Cornish crab and lobster, plus Florette baby leaf salad tossed in premium olive oil, along with grated truffle placed in a basket hand-made from courgettes, red peppers and potato and decorated with gold leaf.
The nature of this dish demonstrates that even the most mundane of dishes can be made as rich as the gold-plated level of hell.

Course 4 - Phlegethon: Fish dish
Fugu Kara-age
Also known as the pufferfish, the prepared meat from this dish is known for its dangerous and deadly neurotoxin, tetrodotoxin. Thin slices of the fish are deep fried and on an ornate plate with a chrysanthemum flower decoration in the middle(symbolic of death). A side of hot sake accompanies this dish.
The consumption of fugu is representative of the danger and pain of this layer of hell coupled with the pleasure of the dish.

Course 5 - Stygia: Chicken Entree
Tori-sashi
Two chicken wings are skewered with leeks, dipped in barbecue sauce and seasoned with a red pepper salt before being grilled lightly, leaving the meat slightly raw. While salmonella typically infests most raw chicken, the high-quality chicken used by the noble houses makes poisoning an exceedingly rare, but still occasional possibility. This dish is served with a small serving of a rare trappist ale from Cheliax, the recipe of which is a closely guarded secret by its monk brewers.
The dangerous nature of this dish and the rare ale represent the secrets and poisoned waters of Stygia.

Course 6 - Malebolge: Game Meat with Vegetables and Potatoes
Leg of Boar w/ Red Current Jelly and Root Vegetables
Heavily seasoned leg of boar is marinated for roughly two days in a wine brine with bay leaves, thyme and black peppercorns before being slowly roasted in a wood-fired oven for several hours. The succulent meat is then cut immediately before serving, covered in a red current jelly and and presented with boiled fingerling potatoes and taro leaves.
The cloven hoof and stubborn and dangerous boar is one of the only game animals capable of defending itself and represents the terrible armies of Malebogle.

Course 7 - Cocytus: Wine and cheese or a fruit dish to cleanse the palate
Ice Wine and Baked Brie in Puffed Pastry
A traditional aged amber-golden Riesling wine made from hand-picked grapes that have been frozen while still on the vine, this wine has a concentrated sweet taste. The accompanying brie has been wrapped in a puffed pastry crust and cooked until the cheese is nearly molten.
This course represents both the frozen wastes of cocytus and the underlying fires that fuel Hell.

Course 8 - Ciana: Nuts
A Variety of Hard-Shelled Nuts
A wide variety of nuts, still in their shells. Each diner is provided rusty and bizarre implements which, with some instruction or experimentation can be used as nutcrackers.
This course is less about the nuts, and more about the instruments used to expose the meat of the difficult-to-open fruit. The instruments themselves are representative of the rusty implements of this layer of Hell.

Course 9 - Nessus: Dessert
Devil's Food Cake
A personal-sized rich and decadent devil's food cake made with fine Chelaxian cocoa and a rare highly caffeinated espresso bean. The cake is served with a dark chocolate frosting decorated with a red pentagram.
Only the blackest of desserts can represent Asmodeus' dark and unknowable domain.

Throughout the dinner, the guests talk amonst themselves, though few venture to enter a conversation with any of you.

After dinner is finishing and the tables are being cleared, Lady Dacilane makes her way toward the party, intorduces herself, then finally broaches the subject of the Tri-Towers.

“My daughter Junia was one of so many children lost. Hundreds of them pinned under the rubble in that sinkhole. The black water rising—the kids screaming.” She quiets for a moment. “None of us could get to them.....”

Liberty's Edge

Female Human War Priest 1 | BAB 0 | HP 11 | AC 17 | T 12 | FF 15 | Fort +4 | Ref +2 | Will +5 | CMD 15 | Init +4 | Perc +3 |

When the first course is served and the smell of sulfur and ammonia reaches Hikari’s nose, she mutters to herself, “Tskiuyo’s ghost, I should have taken a vow of fasting before I left the temple.”

The soup she sips cautiously, leaving the entrails in her bowl, but devours the salad when it is placed before her.

With the arrival of the fourth course Hikari enjoys the warm sake (now glad she did not take that vow of fasting) and eats a few slices of the pufferfish.
Fully sated, having already eaten more at this one meal than she might over the course of a full day, Hikari politely refuses the chicken and boar dishes on account of her hastily imagined ‘vow of not consuming walking animals’ but sips the rare ale until the cheese and fruits are brought to the table.

Bluff: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17

Now growing a bit anxious at the length of this dinner and uncomfortable with the various Chelaxian associations, Hikari grimaces at the rusty tools for cracking open the nuts.
Grabbing two nuts in one hand, she channels this frustration into cracking the nuts with her bare hand.

Strength: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18

Once dessert is presented, Hikari breathes an inner sigh of relief. But, upon seeing the red pentagram her frustration returns.
She waits until one of Skylark’s stories or jokes draws some attention away from herself and then hastily scrapes the pentagram off the cake before guiltily devouring the chocolate treat, knowing it will be a long time before she has such fare again.

Sleight of Hand: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19

To Lady Dacilane, Hikari says, “We are all deeply sorry for your loss and on behalf of the Pathfinder Society we thank you for allowing us access to the site. We will ease the suffering of the souls trapped there.”

Grand Lodge

M Human Slayer 2 | BAB +2 | HP 16 | AC 16 | T 13 | FF 13 | Fort +4 | Ref +6 | Will +2 | CMD 16 | Init +5 | Perc +7 (+9) _ Stealth +8

Farfax has circled the room. He has donned his finest tie with cleanest clothes and looks damn near presentable. While he lacks the ability to banter with the nobles, he can certainly stand tall and puff his chest out just enough to look like he might belong. He saunters near and around the guests. Observing the art, the decor, the foods;or appears so. He is actually tuning all his senses. Sight, sound, smell.. He has actually stepped away from his fellow pathfinders and indeed seems to look as though he doesnt know them. He would rather quietly move about and listen. Listen well.
stealth: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21
perc: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

He keeps a side eye on the group. As they dine and is sure to try all the fares. He make gracious comments on the taste and especially the theme.
Eyes connect with pathfinders from time to time. He provides a quick wink to each and a side long smile. Parties can be fun.

Liberty's Edge

Male Human Bard 2 | BAB +1 | HP 17 | AC 19 | T 13 | FF 16 | Fort +1 | Ref +5 | Will +3 | CMD 16 | Init +2 | Perc +5 |

Skylark enjoys the fine food, eating a small portion of each course while making conversation and keeping his disapproval of such blatant diabolism to himself. Asmodeus take all your children, you bunch of fat simpering fiends.

His face genuinely pales as the Lady Dacilane describes the horrors of the great quake. He does not look forward to wading through dozens of child sized corpses.

Sovereign Court

Female Ifrit Swashbuckler 2 | BAB +2 | HP 20 | AC 18 | T 14 | FF 14 | Fort +2 | Ref +7 | Will -1 | CMD 18 | Init +10 | Perc +3 |

During the meal, Reese tries to make herself small and unnoticed as she positively chows down on every course, but is able to resist the urge to not grab things from her fellow Pathfinders' plates that they're avoiding - she is far from a picky eater. Any raised eyebrows are met with a grin and a comment along the lines of, "hey, hot head comes with super fast metabolism, okay?".

Her appetite does seem to wane, however, when Lady Dacilane begins to speak. She gulps down one last goblet of wine to help wash everything down, and nods her head in support of Hikari's statement on the group's behalf.

Grand Lodge

M Human Slayer 2 | BAB +2 | HP 16 | AC 16 | T 13 | FF 13 | Fort +4 | Ref +6 | Will +2 | CMD 16 | Init +5 | Perc +7 (+9) _ Stealth +8

Farfax is totally amused by Reese; but is glad he is sitting beyond an arms reach away.

Liberty's Edge

Female Human War Priest 1 | BAB 0 | HP 11 | AC 17 | T 12 | FF 15 | Fort +4 | Ref +2 | Will +5 | CMD 15 | Init +4 | Perc +3 |

Hikari grows a bit nervous while waiting for Lady Dacilane to speak. If this awkward silence continues for much longer, she thinks, Reese is bound to do or say something unpredictable...

Is Lady Dacilane waiting for us to ask questions?

Grand Lodge

M Human Slayer 2 | BAB +2 | HP 16 | AC 16 | T 13 | FF 13 | Fort +4 | Ref +6 | Will +2 | CMD 16 | Init +5 | Perc +7 (+9) _ Stealth +8

she is probably just appalled by us :)


No, it was fall break for the kids and I was away most of the weekend. Sorry

"It isn't my doing that has allowed access to vaga...the Society, it is merely by agreement of most of the families who....lost someone." She points to a large painting of young girl with black tresses and pointed features. "I you would do me the grace of imparting any information you may come across regarding Junia, I would be forever in your debt."

As the soire winds down, your group takes leave of Lady Dacilane and heads back to the Grand Lodge to make any final preparations.

Going tonight or resting and going in the morning?

Liberty's Edge

Male Human Bard 2 | BAB +1 | HP 17 | AC 19 | T 13 | FF 16 | Fort +1 | Ref +5 | Will +3 | CMD 16 | Init +2 | Perc +5 |

It's more spooky fun in the dark!

Sky grabs his gear, and a few extra torches, and waits for the others to be ready as well. An eerie chill emanates from the Drownyard, so he sings to keep his courage, but his voice is shaky and uneven with trembling.
Perform: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

Grand Lodge

M Human Slayer 2 | BAB +2 | HP 16 | AC 16 | T 13 | FF 13 | Fort +4 | Ref +6 | Will +2 | CMD 16 | Init +5 | Perc +7 (+9) _ Stealth +8

If he hasn't learned any important info, Farfax will comply with the groups wishes.

Liberty's Edge

Female Human War Priest 1 | BAB 0 | HP 11 | AC 17 | T 12 | FF 15 | Fort +4 | Ref +2 | Will +5 | CMD 15 | Init +4 | Perc +3 |

Haha, nice one Skylark!

After retrieving a few things from her room and wrapping her fists for combat at the Grand Lodge, Hikari joins her companions and begins to make her way to the Drownyard.

While Skylark's timing is a bit off, his enthusiasm more than makes up for it and Hikari can't help but nod her head in appreciation while they walk.

Maybe once I win a few more fights at the Irorium I can commission a theme song of my own to play when I enter the ring...


Grabbing your gear, the party heads out as the sun begins to sink below the horizon. To the south, you see a low bank on storm clouds rolling in, the insides periodically illuminated as lightning jumps from cloud to cloud. By the time you have traveled southwest through the city to the Drownyards, the winds is blowing in fierce gusts and rain is coming down sreadily, sometimes blowing horizontal with the gusts of wind.

As you approach the Drownyards from Beldrin’s Bluff’s west side, you a fence of black iron pikes surrounds a block-wide yard. Dead tree branches reach out from the fence like the arms of emaciated prisoners desperate to escape. A man is on the inside, cutting the trees down. Some of the dismembered branches remain, stuck in place by knotty elbows swollen around the iron.

Grand Lodge

M Human Slayer 2 | BAB +2 | HP 16 | AC 16 | T 13 | FF 13 | Fort +4 | Ref +6 | Will +2 | CMD 16 | Init +5 | Perc +7 (+9) _ Stealth +8

Farfax tries to get a better look at the fellow. Anything he can figure out he will share with the others.
No sense in rushing in. A, very, strange time to be gardening. Perhaps this poor drone was commanded to prepare for our expedition. Perhaps not. Let's have a look see eh?

stealth: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23
percep: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

Damn this rain

Liberty's Edge

Female Human War Priest 1 | BAB 0 | HP 11 | AC 17 | T 12 | FF 15 | Fort +4 | Ref +2 | Will +5 | CMD 15 | Init +4 | Perc +3 |

Moving slowly, Hikari attempts to see if the gate through the fence is locked.

Stealth: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22
Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

With one eye on the gate, and the other on what she assumes to be the groundskeeper, Hikari waits for her companions.

Sovereign Court

Female Ifrit Swashbuckler 2 | BAB +2 | HP 20 | AC 18 | T 14 | FF 14 | Fort +2 | Ref +7 | Will -1 | CMD 18 | Init +10 | Perc +3 |

Seeing her companions making for a stealthy approach, Reese keeps a hand on the hilt of her wakizashi (now that they've geared up for the foray), and tries to make her way behind Farfax and Hikari.

Stealth: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28
Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19

Liberty's Edge

Male Human Bard 2 | BAB +1 | HP 17 | AC 19 | T 13 | FF 16 | Fort +1 | Ref +5 | Will +3 | CMD 16 | Init +2 | Perc +5 |

Skylark follows suit. It's fun to sneak up on old men.

Stealth: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19


The man seems engrossed in his work and doesn't seem to notice anyone until Skylark moves up. The man looks, fixes the bard with a stare, then goes back to his work.

Everyone can see the salt and pepper hair is wet, matting to the side of his head and forehead. The saw he's using occassionly glints as it relects lightining flashes.

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