GMTrex's PFS [CORE] Destiny of the Sands Trilogy (Inactive)

Game Master Andrew Trexler

I guess?

Numair nods to the others.

"Come on - let's head back into town, and finally finish this."

"I'll let you do the talking, Numair. I have much to learn in the ways of diplomacy."

"I'll pay their stupid tax if needed. The sooner we finish this the better."

"I agree, Charis," Pim says. "I'm happy to try to convince them to let us pass, and even to pay the tax if we must, but I'm not very comfortable telling tales and spinning stories."

The line outside the gates of Eto is as long and hot as the Pathfinders remember it. On his way to inspect someone else's belongings further down the line, their old friend Mahu stops when he sees them. "Baraka, I'll get this group. I know them."

"Okay!"

"So..." Mahu says, as his guards set up the makeshift table. "Find your interesting dig site yet? Anything new to declare?"

Numair snorts, before smiling ruefully.

"I wish! Our information broker gave us some tasks to perform before he would hand over the information. Mostly low-grade errands, which frankly, we probably weren't needed for, but I guess he likes playing games... Hopefully the next time you see us, we will have something much happier to report!"

These are not the adventurers that you are looking for...

Bluff: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28.

Assists would be lovely ;-)

"Hmm," Mahu grunts, without context or emotional weight. "In you go then." He waves in the direction of a gate and gives the signal to his guards to pack up their sawhorses.

At their next visit to the White Uraeus, Torch has again relocated to another chamber, where he appears to be napping in his tub. He opens an eye. "Well?"

Pimwrick shrugs his shoulders elaborately at the guard, waving his hands about at the same time. His intent is to convey the sentiment, I know, can you believe it? Unfortunately, he's ill-suited to falsehood, of even this simple variety, and he looks more like he's trying to drive off an especially persistent swarm of camel-flies.

Bluff, Aid Numair: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Ah well, I guess we are just lucky that we have a smooth-tongued devil in the party ;-)

Numair smiles, and bows.

"We have completed the last of your tasks, O Irriguous One."

So saying, he shows Torch the items that the party retrieved.

"I trust that we have completed the tasks to your satisfaction? Fair's fair; can we now have the information that we seek?"

Eveline is more surprised by the fact Numair outright lied to the inspector. Then again he got the team into the city quickly, so she pays no heed to the inspector as she walks past. Once inside the gates, she gives a puzzled look to Numair. "I didn't mean you'd have to hide the object, lie about its existence, more like talk how it's not that worthy, or have the payment be sent to Torch since it's his item, or something like that. I'm just cautious, all these little deeds might come haunt us later on."

She takes a quick glance at Pimwrick, suspecting a devout follower of Erastil, the huntsman, might feel a bit similarly.

----

At the White Uraeus, Eveline patiently waits at the back. She's slightly disturbed by the constant bathing, and the gruesome scars of Grandmaster Torch. Keen to hear if the man really has some information they seek, she stays silent.

Lionel grins. "Say we can see it this way, Eve, a magic rod an' some artefacts ain't real int'restin' for Torch, so it ain't really lyin'.", he says at the entrance to the house, walking in. "Plus, lyin' how somethin's not what it is is harder than talkin' 'bout how ya don' got it."

Once in the Baths again, he takes in the steamy air and sighs. "I real hope we ain't gon' deal with our friend here for a long time...", he says, following Numair.

Torch waves a hand and one of his half-orc guards hands over a set of maps. One is a map of Osirion, clearly marking Eto and an unnamed site to the north. The second map is on a much smaller scale and marks the route between Eto and this site. The last sheet is a sketch in charcoal, depicting two rock outcropping connected by a smooth wall with a single gate. Scrawled beneath is written, Seeker's Folly; beneath that are the initials V.L.

"Those will take you where you want to go. Deviate from the path only if you know what you’re doing. Otherwise, stick to the landmarks," Torch rasps. He pauses to consider another thought. "Normally this is where I would say ‘pleasure doing business with you.’ However," he adds with a grisly grin, "I’m going to throw you something extra for free--just because I’m such a caring individual. You’re not the only ones who know about that site. I hear a group of foreigners set out from Totra not too long ago and are after the same prize. Sounds like there’s no time to waste."

He leans back into his tub, smile affixed to his scarred face.

Numair's face transiently contorts into an expression of distaste, before he nods.

"Thank-you for that additional information."

He then turns to the others.

"It looks like we need to make preparations, and then get out of her as soon as we can - preferably today!"

I would check to see if any camels were available, but since this is CORE, they aren't open access :-/

"As always, thank you for your help, Torch. May we be of service again." She bows, turns and leaves.

"Even when fulfilling his end of the bargain, he always wins in the end." She shakes her head. "First I'm going to buy some rope and water."

Lionel walks out of the the baths, before leaning on a wall and lighting up a foul-smelling cigarette. "All hells, folks, that place's makin' me feel real dirty, ya know! An' now we gotta rush an see if someone's out to steal our deal.", he says in between puffs. "Exhilaratin', isnit?"

Tossing the butt of the cigarette on the ground, he shoulders his spear before nodding at the Maiden. "That'd be a sound purchase, if ya ask me. I'd suggest we dash as quick as possible, 'cause I ain't wanna explain failin' to the big folks back home, ya know."

As they leave the guardpost behind, Pim nods along with Eveline, saying, "You said it, Eve. I didn't join the Society to lie to guards who are just trying to do their job. I'd prefer we not do that anymore."

Once they've reached the White Uraeus and heard from Torch, Pimwrick hurries out the door, saying, "What an unpleasant fellow! He actually seemed to enjoy giving us the information we needed and then telling us it might be too late! We'd better hurry!"

"Ah, Charis, Lionel. A moment, dears?" Torch coos in his gravelly voice, the pair almost out the door. He beckons them over and leans in close.

"Off you go, then," Torch chuckles. "Good luck..."

End of Part I! I will get chronicles out shortly and we'll start Part II.

"As always, a pleasure doing business with you." The Maiden gives another bow to Grandmaster Torch before leaving.

If questioned about it, she replies, "Madame Zelkathi sent her thanks." she shakes her head. "Not my style, but... I will have to run some personal errands before we leave the city. It shouldn't take too long."

The Maiden's second evening in Eto is quite comfortable, and she is able to score a few trinkets and transfer packages during the night.

PART II
RACE TO SEEKER'S FOLLY

The team quickly plies the markets with their fresh-earned gold and stocks up on supplies for the journey ahead. A careful review of Torch's maps and associated notes indicates that their destination is an oasis to the north. This oasis bears a marker stone whose shadow at sunset point to the site known as "Seeker's Folly," where Amenopheus and Venture Captain Balentiir back in Sothis hope you will find a sage jewel. The maps also show a well-laid out route with many landmarks to point the way, but the route is slightly circuitous--a straight trek across the desert would be faster, if more dangerous. Choosing the faster route could ensure that the Pathfinders arrive ahead of this unknown group setting out from Totra, although any means of speeding up travel could do so as well.

Among the many markets of Eto, the team picks up a few tidbits of info.

What's the plan for setting out then, adventurers?

Diplomacy(Gather Information): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (20) + 14 = 34.

Numair spends some time hanging around with the local caravan masters, and learns quite a bit of information.

"The route described in Torch’s map is rarely used, though the caravan masters are familiar with the oasis and the terrain surrounding it."

They provide some advice about how to equip properly and avoid common desert hazards. Gain a +1 bonus on any Survival checks made while traveling from Eto to Seeker’s Folly (everybody).

"Apparently, the local Gnoll clans have grown increasingly bold, and abductions along the common trade routes are becoming increasingly common. Survivors of the recent Gnoll attacks remember that the Gnolls often attacked during the hottest time of the day, when the camels were resting and the heat shimmer disguised the glimmer of the Gnolls’ weapons."

His face then contorts into a look of disgust.

"A pair of travelers asked questions about the same oasis a few days ago. One flashed a bronze badge bearing a snake emblem when questioned by customs agents. It sounds like we may be dealing with the Aspis!"

Numair then turns to Lionel with a wink, and a smile.

"I don't suppose that I could trouble you for another Endure Elements on this journey...? The desert has a tendency to be a trifle hot during the day, and a tad cold at night..."

Lionel appears a bit late, a pipe in his mouth, from which he appears to draw smoke. Surprisingly, it appears to have much superior scent to the previous one.

He waves at the others and points to his spear, the wasp-shaped spearhead glowing with a dim purple light. "Hey folks! I finally got tha Sting all magical an' whatnot!"

He nods at Numair. "Alright, I'll be takin' care o' tha desert sun. I can cover three o' us per day, though. Me, bein' tha paragon o' nobility an' selflessness that I am, will pass on tha first day.", he says with a grin. "I suggest we take tha desert path. Ain't gotta worry 'bout no water, an' we ain't gotta fear no heat."

Orisons prepared: Create Water, Stabilise, Resistance:
1st Level Spells: Endure Elements x3, True Strike
2nd Level Spells: Bull's Strenght, Lesser Restoration, Aid.

Disguise: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20
Knowledge(Local): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
The Maiden spends the morning dressing up as a local Eto merchant. She doesn't make an effort to hide her identity to the party, but she enjoys showing her silver nunchaku an d cold iron kama.

"I wish I had found out more about surviving the desert. The merchants had some valuable survival tips for me, but I think Numair covered it in incredible detail."

"Gnolls. Well, at least I'll have some fun shooting them down."

Pim considers all the useful information that Numair has acquired in his rambling through the markets, then finds himself surprised to be agreeing with Lionel, "Yeah, if the gnolls are attacking on common trade routes, we'd do well to avoid them, right? If the slow, safe path isn't actually safe, then it's just the slow path, which doesn't do us any good. Let's try the faster way."

There's something different with Eveline this time around the pathfinders gather to negotiate. She now sports a necklace, the holy symbol of Sarenrae dangling on her chest.

"From what I learned during our arduous voyage from Sothis to Eto, I'm not one to endure it all again. I'll take up on that offer for the spell, thank you," Eveline says to Lionel, "but I'm guessing buying scrolls wouldn't be too bad either. Or rather, I could just buy a wand myself..."

She then turns to look at the others. "I agree with Pim, we better head on the faster, straighter route than wander around to be ambushed by gnolls. But we do need some sort of transportation, I'm not going to walk among dunes on my feet. It'll take a millenia to get to Seeker's Folly."

Seeing the symbol on Eveline's necklace, Lionel grins. "Joined us stylish folk, huh?", he quips, shaking the several symbols on his chest. "Don'tcha worry 'bout no scrolls! Tha Sting's gentle caress is goin' to take care o' all ya needs!", he replies, expecting a reaction from Eveline. "An' 'bout transportation, there ain't no oasis with no camel salesman, I'm sure. As long as we remember to check the teeth, we golden."

Buying horses and taking the short cut then? Figure out how you're paying and feeding them.

Without the aid of Torch's helpful markers, the team must navigate the endless dunes on their own. The glimmering mirages of the desert easily lead a stranger astray...

I need a total of three Survival checks. I recommend nominating someone to make the base roll, then having the rest of the party aid. Once you have that figured out, repeat the process three times.

Eveline has the best survival, at +6. A Wayfinder will add two to that, for a total of +8. 'Take 10' for 18, with the rest of us rolling to assist her, is probably the way to go.

Using his own Wayfinder, Numair does his best to assist Eveline in finding the correct route.

Survival (Assist): 1d20 + 0 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 0 + 2 = 17.
Survival (Assist): 1d20 + 0 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 0 + 2 = 14.
Survival (Assist): 1d20 + 0 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 0 + 2 = 3.

The Maiden can easily pay for all of the horses. 100 gp for each, right?

"Eveline, we'll follow your lead. I can afford the horses."

Survival(Aid): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15
Survival(Aid): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20
Survival(Aid): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21

We probably don't need a horse each, as Eveline and Pim are small and could ride with others - or together. Which would tie Pim in all kinds of knots...

"That's very generous of you, Charis," Pim says, "and will make the journey both faster and easier for everyone. Though Eveline and I are probably small enough we could ride with someone else, to save some gold."

He does what he can to help in finding the route across the barren sands, but he's clearly not cut out for such things.

Survival, Aid: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (9) - 1 = 8
Survival, Aid: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (4) - 1 = 3
Survival, Aid: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (20) - 1 = 19

75 gp. Four horses and two ponies (30 gp) plus totals for 360gp, or 180 once you sell them back at the end. If they survive. :)

Although desert travel is no one's favorite, the team makes short work of the desert on horseback and finally crest the last dune. Some fifty feet down the opposite slope, the marked oasis shimmers like a sapphire in the midday heat. Life clings around its edges tenaciously, with only a few hardy plants nestled amid the rocks managing to survive in patches around the area. Finches bathe in the water, resting on an abandoned harness. Trash and castoffs from travelers litter the area, and a small brick hearth is the only permanent fixture.

Thank you for forwarding without me. Stupid fever.

Eveline shrugs to the travel arrangements. "Or we could get riding dogs. Or just ponies." She opts for the "everyone get their own" solution, and promptly gets herself a pony for the trip, as well as feed to sustain it for at least a week. 30 gp + (7 * 5 cp)

----

"Some travelers sure litter," Eveline comments the view, showing slight disgust at the debris left by unmindful people. "Should we stay here for the hottest hours? We have been protected from the heat thanks to magic, sure, but our horses and ponies aren't."

Sorry to hear you're still sick, Eveline.

"Well, that was easier and less violent than I feared," Pimwrick says with some relief as they arrive at the oasis, "though I wonder if there are surprises waiting for us here. Seems a prime spot for an ambush, just as travelers are letting their guard down. Evie, you've got sharp eyes, do you see anything worth worrying about, any tracks or traps amidst all the trash?"

As he speaks, he scans the area, but he's distracted by the realization that he's just spoken aloud the nickname that he has so far only used for Eveline in his thoughts.

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Evie?

Eveline gives Pim a puzzled look and quickly shrugs it off as she goes on to do what he suggested, look for signs of gnolls, ambushes, or other possible items of intrigue.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27

The Maiden sits down and meditates, scanning the oasis for oddities.
Ah, Pimwrick. He is distracted too easily.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

Then again, I'm not too focused myself.

Lionel lets out a hearty laugh at the situation. Ain't that just funny., as he leads the horse. "Ain't so sure 'bout them ambushes. If there's anythin' like that on an oasis, ain't it gonna be visible, an' people would know to avoid this one? Now, if I was an dishonest ne'er-do-well, I'd attack peoples on tha way to other settlements, so that people still come here.", he says, shrugging. "Or I could be entirely wrong, ya know. I'll keep an eye out."

He leans on a palm tree and pulls out his new pipe, filling it up with tobacco.

Eveline gives momentary thought to letting Lionel walk blindly into the trap before holding out a hand to stop him. She reports some disturbed sand just west of the oasis where a creature may be hiding beneath the ground. She also points out a trio of spears poking out from the rocks on the far side of the muddy pool.

Numair winks at Lionel.

"Anyone want to go and greet the locals?"

"Huh, I'm betting they are gnolls," Eveline comments, "let them come to us, if they so want. We've already eliminated their advantage of surprise, so there's little they can do. Maybe if you can lure them out so I and Pim can create several punctures to the sorry sod."

She draws her longbow, and is ready to face the enemy.

If The Maiden has time, she will draw a wand of mage armor from...somewhere in her robes.

UMD: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

"Numair, could you use this on me? I will gladly bait them out for you." Thankful for the assistance, she keeps her bow ready and carefully walks up to the pit.

This will put my AC at 20.

Realizing they're ambush has failed, the gnolls break cover and move instead to attack. Beneath the ground, something moves toward Charis...

Round I -- bold may act!
1. Charis, Kailun
2. Gnolls
3. Eveline, Lionel, Pimwrick, Numair
4. ???

"Wait, you see spears over there?" Pimwrick asks, slipping his bow off his shoulder and squinting to try to make out what Eveline claims to have seen. "I don't see anything..."

As Charis moves forward and the gnolls step into view, he exclaims, "There they are!"

No real action, just catching up on posts.

I'll assume Mage Armor is up.

The Maiden smiles and sends an arrow sailing after the red-clad gnoll.

Longbow: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

She points at something beneath the sand. "Something else is approaching. Be careful."

Kailun ducks to the side and fires off an arrow while the gnolls are out in the open.

Longbow attack on red: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16 Flat-footed?
Longbow damage: 1d8 ⇒ 3

Of the pair, Kailun's arrow finds its mark and deepens the red color of the gnoll's tunic!

The trio snarls forward and sends three spears flying towards Charis! All three land anticlimactically in the dirt.

Spear @ Charis: 1d20 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 - 1 = 5 MISS
Spear @ Charis: 1d20 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 - 1 = 7 MISS
Spear @ Charis: 1d20 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 - 1 = 2 MISS

Round I -- bold may act!
1. Charis, Kailun
2. Gnolls (red @ 3 dmg)
3. Eveline, Lionel, Pimwrick, Numair
4. ???

"Heh. Look at me, playin' tha fool again.", Lionel grins at the reveal of his foolish move. Real smart, brotha, real smart.

---------------------

Lionel rushes to the maiden's side, running over the dunes. Run/Double move to the right side.

Upon arriving, he braces his spear towards the foes. "Heh. Le's go get 'em?", before readying himself to move again.

Pimwrick takes a few steps forward, raises his bow, and puts another arrow into the red-garbed gnoll! "Looks like they might be new at this game, eh, Lionel?" he asks, heartened by the creature's poorly-aimed attacks.

Move up, attack Red.

+1 Longbow: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24
+1 Longbow damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

She frowns as the arrow digs into the sand at the gnoll's feet. She parries the spears thrown her way.
"Yes, we will advance, Lionel. I do worry about that, though. They may be a distraction."

The twang of Pim's bow is soon followed by the crunch of his arrow biting through leather and bone. His target falls. Lionel does what he does best and gives the Maiden company.

Round I -- bold may act!
1. Charis, Kailun
2. Gnolls (red)
3. Eveline, Lionel, Pimwrick, Numair
4. ???

Numair grins.

"Time to fry some Gnolls!"

He then conjures a ball of fire directly over the head of the blue Gnoll.

Flaming Sphere: 3d6 ⇒ (4, 4, 4) = 12 Fire damage, DC 20 Reflex negates.

Eveline is impressed by how easily the gnolls fall. She takes a gander and takes on the green gnoll, shooting not one, but two arrows at it!

Mwk Longbow (Rapid shot): 1d20 + 9 - 2 ⇒ (10) + 9 - 2 = 171d20 + 9 - 2 ⇒ (13) + 9 - 2 = 20
Piercing damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 51d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

1d20 ⇒ 18 fail! somehow!

Numair's ball of fire roasts a gnoll to charred fur and Eveline puts an arrow in the other's shoulder and thigh!

The sand north of Charis ripples and a great starfish rises out of the dune to snap at her with its terrifying beak. The creature's maw closes around her waist and digs deep into her frame, holding her tight.

Bite: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23 HIT Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9 plus Grab: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25 ...this is getting weird... SUCCESS

Round II -- bold may act!
1. Charis (24/33 hp, grappled), Kailun
2. Gnolls (red, blue, green @ 7 dmg)
3. Eveline, Lionel, Pimwrick, Numair
4. Starfish