GM Z..D.. |
Fresh off their induction into the Society and the completion of their basic training within the organization, the PCs find themselves in the office of Ambrus Valsin, the venture-captain in charge of daily operations in and around the Grand Lodge. The efficient and straightforward chamberlain greets the PCs curtly and motions for them to sit before jumping straight into their assignment.
“All right, Pathfinders! Listen up. I know you are new recruits
eager to make names for yourselves in the organization, but first we need to make sure you are up to snuff and won’t get yourself killed out there. I have a number of small assignments for you and your team, and it would be best if you could finish them before the day’s end. Every day we get some doe-eyed hopeful or some sniveling bootlicker willing to do anything to join up with the Pathfinders. Most of them are good kids, but not all of them have the salt to make it in a world like this. It’s rough out there and I’m not just talking about the ruins, tombs, and wilderness Pathfinders find themselves in on missions. We’ve got people who look down their noses at us, folks who think we squander our resources, and agents who want to take everything we have collected. This wealth of knowledge and these items of lore make us the
most powerful organization on the planet. That said, since we are fractured and widespread, it’s difficult for that power to light on anything for too long. For every friend of the Society, there are two enemies.
"Your first mission, to test your mettle and loyalties, sends you to meet a few people important to the Society living here in Absalom. These are other venture-captains or close allies of our organization, so follow their orders as you would mine. I’ve prepared a list of things I want you to do. They’re not arranged in any particular order of importance, but I want them all completed as quickly as possible. Only report to me once you complete them all. Included in the envelope you hold in your hands is the list, complete with the name of your contact, and directions to the meeting location.”
The Venture captain hands you the list with the following tasks.
- A man named Guaril Karela runs a curio shop in the Docks called the Pickled Imp. Go to him and fill his request as a favor to the Society. I believe it has something to do with a set of rare books.
- Ollysta Zadrian requested aid and is expecting you at the Temple of the Shining Star in the Ascendant Court. She needs someone to deliver a parcel of medicine and curatives to a needy orphanage and verify the character of the recipient.
- Visit the offices of Osirian nobleman Dremdhet Salhar in the Wise Quarter. The Pathfinder Society needs to obtain permission to delve the Salhar ancestral vaults beneath Sothis. He has made a verbal agreement, and your visit makes it official. You will receive an official charter and detailed maps. Do not embarrass the Society in this matter.
- Chelish Paracountess Zarta Dralneen possesses an item loaned from the Vaults. Meet with her in her estate
Grummosh |
"Though we are inexperienced in the ways of the Pathfinder, we are well trained and will not let you down."
Grummosh much like his name is not what you would call pretty, but his features are distinguished and he has the look of a grizzled veteran. He wears an almost worn-out suit of scale with a massive axe strapped to his back, a fur pelt of a wolf adorns his shoulders. A tiny but quick tuatara lizard runs around his shoulders. Intricate tattoos cover his green skin and his face is almost constantly stoic. He looks to the rest of the new recruits.
Uthraed of Galt |
This was not Uthraeds first time in Absalom, but it had been many years. He had traveled all across Golarion but he never thought he would join the Pathfinder Society, yet here he was receiving his first assignment. As he glanced over the list his eyes light up when he reads that there may be rare books involved.
First assignment and already the prospect of finding something new to read.
Uthraed, unlike his brothers, had taken to books in favor of swordplay. When they were drilling in the yard he would sneak off to the library and read. Maybe it was because he was so much smaller then they were. Standing a few inches under 6 feet Uthraed does not have the typical appearance of a fighter. His father still forced him to drill 6 days a week but when it became clear that he wasn't on the typical path to becoming a fearsome warrior he conceded that Uthraed could spend his time practicing with the bow. And so he did, and became very proficient at it, but even that never overshadowed his thirst for a good book.
"We'll get it done sir, quickly sir,"Uthraed said in a quiet but firm voice. His father had taught him to speak this way to superiors and he did so even though he abhorred the practice.
Mr. Peppers |
Mr. Peppers looks around the room at his fellow new pathfinder recruits, nodding at familiar faces before his eyes and attention meet those of Mr Valsin.
"I am eager to leave behind the title of recruit and earn my place in the lodge. We'll be sure to complete these errands quickly so that we may move on to more important missions."
More errands... I hope I didn't waste all that time just to be someone's squire. At least we get to meet some people with prestige in the city and those old books could hold something interesting.
Mun of Ashava |
The elf accepts his envelope, nodding his head. He looks around the room at his new fellows and smiles to see a diverse group, but is clearly happy to see another elf. He nods at Mr. Peppers.
"Well met, my new friends; I am Mūn." The tall elf speaks his name with a long vowel sound, pronounced like the celestial object. His hair shines silver with just a hint of blue, and his sharp blue eyes sparkle with tiny flecks of silver. He is dressed well in complementing silvers and blues, without armor but with a bow slung across his back, and he carries himself with a grace that implies a privileged upbringing.
"This is a long list to get done in a day, we should get started without delay. What first? I'm partial to beginning at the beginning; shall we head to this curio shop?"
Gealdn |
The big half-orc takes a step from the back of the group.
With a deep husky voice, he sais: "Let's go, and get the things done. I think we start at the beginning"
The dark and demanding eyes shift between all the people in the room.
GM Z..D.. |
This creepy shop contains myriad odds and ends, most bereft of any discernible use. A number of malformed creatures and creature parts bob in jars on a long, prominent shelf, a tiny fetal devil centered in this macabre lineup. The shopkeeper, a greasy-haired Varisian with a thin mustache, shouts from behind the cluttered counter:
“Ah yes, I see the Pathfinders have arrived. I’m glad Ambrus was able to lend a few of his new recruits to help me. Please come in and let me tell you what I need.”
Looking around as if to be absolutely certain no customers are browsing the aisles of knock-off Thuvian burial urns or supposed Azlanti porcelain, he begins again.
“Well met. I am Guaril Karela. A friend of mine has a warehouse near here and he received a parcel on behalf of me and some of my associates, but there’s a problem. See, Master Gelbane had to leave town in a hurry and our shipment is still waiting at his warehouse. Rumor is he ended up in trouble with the law and the place was seized. I heard tell from someone down at the docks that some creep was snooping around his warehouse just the other night, so I want to make sure nothing of mine was taken. He keeps all kinds of things, from beer to nails, in that old pelican, but every now and then he stores something really special. This is one of those cases."
“There’s a big crate marked with three crows arranged in a triangle. Inside that crate is a smaller container with a few books and papers in it. That’s the only parcel I’m interested in, and as far as I’m concerned, you can help yourself to the rest of the crate. Honestly, anything else you want in the place too. I’m sure the once things get sorted out, the city will seize most everything else anyway."
“My associates and I often work with the Pathfinders when it comes to special relics and documents, getting them in and out of ports and across borders where the authorities ask too many questions. Most people don’t realize what they have and frankly many don’t deserve to have it, so sometimes we help take the goods off their hands. If things work out well and you get this done, I’d be glad to talk with you more and help you out with any future endeavors, as long as you help me out too. I’m good at returning favors, trust me.”
Mun of Ashava |
Mūn's eyes narrow as the man describes a mission that sounds quite a bit like theft, or at least the circumventing of some rules and due process. I guess if the Pathfinders are behind this, I can trust that it's proper. He looks at the man. "You can certify that these items we're to retrieve are truly yours? The Pathfinders are not a Thieves Guild, you know."
GM Z..D.. |
"Of course I know that you are not the Thieves Guild, why do you think I went to Ambrus and not...", Gauril stops abruptly and coughs into his hand. "Anyway, are you up for the task or not?"
Gringo "Arrow in the knee" |
A human appears at the shop entrance. The stranger wears brown coat with studded leather armor under it and wide-brimmed hat. Bullet holsters cross his chest. Black cape on his shoulders flutters in a draft and you can notice a barrel sticking out of his back.
He looks out to be sure that noone was following and, satisfied, steps in. Moment later you recognize him - you saw him entering the office of Ambrus Valsin right after you'd left it.
He then doffs his hat and waves to you smiling.
"Hallo, my friends. They call me Gringo. I appologize for being late. And greetings to you, Guaril Karela...in your service! What should we do? And again my dippest appologies if you've already briefed my fellows."
I've missed 1st part and desided to roleplay this as if my character missed it, was late for venture-captain's briefing. Hope you don't mind it.
PS In case of some grammatical or lexical mistakes in Gringo's describtion here is Concept
Massee |
Mr Peppers slowly walks about the room as the greasy looking man describes our mission. His eyes fall on the jar with the fetal devil floating inside, as he does he picks his brain to see if he can't recognize it.
Knowledge: Planes: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18
"Quite the interesting little guy in here." As he taps on the glass. "How'd you end up with him?"
"As far as your request, while I do agree with Moon here about it walking the line of 'legality', I'm also not a lawyer. Since we were sent here by the Pathfinders to assist you then that's what I'll do. If you can answer a few questions about the warehouse and its owner that would be useful."
Mr Peppers straightens his robes and turns back to the group. "Are you aware if this place is being watched by the city guard? Or anyone else for that matter? Does Mr Gelbane have any other associates in the place that we need to know of? And finally, if the guard are keeping the place under tight watch would it be useful for us to supply them with your name to help sort things out?
The final question was mostly to see the man's reaction about just how illegal this is.
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (18) + 0 = 18
GM Z..D.. |
Gauril looks over to Mr. Peppers,"I do not believe the warehouse is being watched by anyone, and as far as I know, no one should be there either." He then starts to usher everyone else out the door after Gealdn.
After travelling for a few minute towards the docks. You reach the pier that you are looking for.
Perched on the end of a long pier fifteen feet above the water, the warehouse appears to struggle against its own roof, threatening to sag into the bay below. No light shines from the building’s windows and only the movement of gulls and pelicans stirs the scene.
Please place yourselves on the dock. And once everyone is in place, please comment, and we can move on.
Mun of Ashava |
It would be nice if we had a key
Hmmm... we don't have a rogue.
Mūn approaches the door cautiously, examining it for any obvious traps and to see if it's even locked.
Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10
Position updated
Mr. Peppers |
Well he sure seems to be in a rush for that crate, should be something interesting.
As he approaches the docks and dilapidated warehouse a definite look of distaste crosses his face. "Ugh what a smell down here! Something of a cross between bird crap and rotting fish. I can't fathom how people could work around this stench every day."
Mr Pepper takes a look around for anyone taking interest in them or guards posted.
Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6 "Well at least he was right about the place being abandoned."
GM Z..D.. |
The building looks abandoned and in disrepair. The windows are dark and dirty and provide no view into the structure’s interior. A small boat bobs in the water below, tethered to the pier by a stout, salt-crusted rope. The warehouse’s heavy wooden front door is locked.
Mr. Peppers |
"Well Grummosh to be honest I think I'd prefer it to smell of a fine lady's perfume after a hot bath, or at the very least a cold glass of elven wine. But since we're here for a crate of books maybe the smell of old musty pages would suffice. Unless one of you has the key or perhaps some lockpicks I guess we should look for an alternate entrance."
Eyeing up the boat he points "Maybe we can take this dingy around the outside and find an open water entrance, or at the very least something a bit less conspicuous"
GM Z..D.. |
It will be a tight fit, but all 6 of you could fit. Gealdn, you can maneuver around the building with out much difficulty.
Mr. Peppers |
Mr Peppers eyes the small boat now loaded up with his companions, two of which are none too small half orcs...
"What ever could go wrong here?
After taking a quick look at the boat and then the water, followed by something that was definitely cursing in Elven, Mr Peppers gingerly steps down into the boat, making sure to lift his robes out of anything holding court on top of the floor boards.
"Slow and steady as she goes Captain Gealdn. Lets try to stay dry shall we?"
GM Z..D.. |
The boat makes it around the building. The warehouse itself sits 15ft above the water. As you make it to the western side of the building you see a door approximately 10ft wide.
GM Z..D.. |
Gealdn: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
Grummosh: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17
Mr. Peppers: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12
Mun: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10
uthread: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (11) + 0 = 11
gringo: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27
Everyone sees that there is a whole in the floor of the warehouse and the door slides North to South.
Please only read spoilers that have your name on them.
Mun of Ashava |
As Gealdn starts starting to climb out of the boat, Mūn uses one hand to help steady the half-orc with the other hand on the boat to try to keep it from rocking.
Mr. Peppers |
"Woah now big fella, remember the 'lets keep dry' thing I mentioned earlier? I'd hate to see how the salt water would treat this old crossbow of mine, never mind spell reagents."
Mr Peppers nods with agreement with Mun and tries to assist in keeping the boat steady while the big man climbs up.
Gringo "Arrow in the knee" |
"That crate..." Gringo points at the crate on the edge of two planks of wood in the center of the whole "...is one that we came for,it's marked with three crows in a triangle. But the planks seem to be rather shaky. I suggest someone to approach by boat under the warehouse not to let it fall down in the water."
Mr. Peppers |
"Good eyes Gringo, but I don't like the odds of us getting that crate into this full boat and staying dry at the same time. We'll need to get some people out first to make space."
Mr Peppers is more than happy to exit the boat when Gealdn has made it out and can give him a hand up.
GM Z..D.. |
Gealdn and Mr Peppers makes it onto the ledge safely enough. The door seems to be barred from the inside
To force the door open. It will be a strength check from one of you and the other can aid. One more person can get onto the ledge from the other side to help with the aid.
Uthraed of Galt |
"I can try to get in from the hole if someone would give me a boost and open the door from the inside. Though I may need backup so be ready."
Uthraed slings his bow on his back and loosens his sword in its scabbard before attempting to quietly enter the warehouse.
not sure what checks you want but here is a stealth for getting in quietly.
stealth: 1d20 + 4 - 3 ⇒ (4) + 4 - 3 = 5