GM Jeff cook |
You begin the adventure in an opulent parlor in the Druman capital of Kerse, part of the manor home of Temel Passad, a prominent Kalistocrat. Served the finest Chelish wine and delicate sweetmeats while awaiting their host, you have time to peruse a letter from Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin and introduce yourselves to your fellow pathfinders
Society agents recently learned of a lost, previously undocumented Sky Citadel in what was once Sarkoris, the land now consumed by the Worldwound. As we cannot push into that demon-infested wasteland ourselves, we have recruited dwarven aid in the dangerous expedition. In exchange for military assistance and historical expertise, the dwarves will have the opportunity to reclaim this lost stronghold.
Two weeks ago, Highhelm sent an entourage of diplomats and tacticians north toward Mendev to meet with Venture-Captain Jorsal of Lauterbury to discuss terms and develop a plan of attack. When they failed to arrive in a timely fashion, Jorsal commissioned sending magic to contact Rakuska Ingardam, the mission’s leader. Rakuska’s return message—cut off due to the magic’s limit—was as follows:
“Passed Xer, paid our way, but attacked and overcome. Razmiri priests hold us for unknown purpose. We are held somewhere near the Glass River at...”
One of several possible places they are held is the Gray Revelation Inn, about thirty miles east of Xer—we suspect the Razmiri priesthood uses the site to interrogate prisoners. You must investigate and liberate the three dwarven envoys—if indeed that is where they are imprisoned—and then escort them to Mendev. Accompanying you are two other dwarves who will take the captured envoys’ places if you aren’t successful: merchant Metella Raugar and respected Pahmet mystic Amauhak. The Kalistocrat Temel Passad, a Druman with whom we have dealt in the past, has volunteered a boat to transport you north, and I see little reason why we should not take him up on this offer. Building a good working relationship with one or more influential merchants would be to everyone’s benefit.
Good Luck
Ambrus Valsin
Asarnil Veluvien* |
"Typical" exclaims Asarnil in disgust after scanning Valsin's missive.
"Trust a dwarf to arrive in timely fashion to an appointment and this is what happens, of course. Not only they are naturally slow, but this time they had to outdo themselves getting abducted by some loony priests in those Nethys forgotten River Kingdoms!" finishes the elf throwing his arms in the air in a very dramatical (and deliberate) fashion.
Then, forgetting his supposed "woes" for a minute Asarnil notices his fellow pathfinders and after a few seconds decides to present himself:"Good morning to you all! My name is Asarnil, and I'll take care of the mystical aspects of this... venture, pleased to meet you... I suppose"
Waldron Domine |
Responding to Asarnil, Well met! I am Waldron. I will do my best to keep everyone up and on their feet, or at least help get them back up on their feet.
After reading the letter, At least they were able to get us a warning so we aren't going in completely blind. Does anyone know anything about these Razmiri priests?
GM Jeff cook |
The PCs might already know about Razmiran and its
state religion.
to have taken the Test of the Starstone and ascended to
divinity. He appeared before the people of Xer in the Duchy
of Melcat 52 years ago and now acts as both sovereign and
god of those captured lands.
on bullying than on divine miracles, often exploiting
travelers to fill the church’s coffers. The regular patrols of
faithful enforcers searching for dissension has resulted
in the paranoia that runs throughout the government
and the populace. Any friendliness from a native is cause
for suspicion.
god, none would admit as much publicly, especially to
outsiders who may be undercover clergy.
Razmir performing healing magic claim that the divine
magic functions in an abnormal way, different from
that granted by other gods. A handful of sages speculate
that Razmir’s claim of divinity is questionable, but
there is no evidence to prove that he is anything but
all-powerful.
Devonalia Crystalwind |
A comely half elf walks into the room almost unnoticed by the others due to the lightness of her steps. She is armed with a bow and arrows dressed in a studded leather jerkin. She observes her future companions, some with curiosity in their magical works, others with a bit of disdain from their martial appearance.
"I know nothing of these lands, having never ventured here before. My name is Devonalia Cyrstalwind. I am an archer of sorts. So I understand this is a rescue?"
Yâble |
A skinny dwarf (if we are able to call any dwarf skinny) reads the letter. He also have a second letter into his hands.
Hum, they are giving me a second chance, he thinks. I did find their “keys” after all. It’s Better not screw this
He then read the second letter.
What did he want? Broke a deal for the society or for him? I don’t understand.
And me in that, what is my reward?
He sighs.
At least, he knows quality when he sees it. That is the sign of a great marchand.
”So like it seem, missy. I am Yâble. Need anything? I will sell it.”
GM Jeff cook |
Two silent servants open a pair of richly lacquered doors, and a human and two dwarves stride into the lavish parlor. The man, clad in immaculate robes of whitest silk, is short and round with a blond oiled beard, and his eyes are alert and amused. He takes a touch of snuff from a golden box and sneezes before saying, “It is a pleasure to welcome Pathfinders to one of my estates once more. I am, as you may know, Temel Passad. Allow me to introduce—”
One of the two dwarves, a redheaded female in deep scarlet robes, curtly interrupts the man. “We can introduce ourselves, Passad. I am Metella Raugar, representing the interests of several Highhelm mercantile consortia. My companion”—she gestures to a dwarven man with leathery skin baked by the sun, his head swathed in a bright yellow scarf—“is Amauhak of Reth Bezel, a mystic of the sand dwarves of Osirion.”
Temel resumes with only the briefest look of annoyance crossing his face I hope you are enjoying your refreshments can I get you some more Sweetmeats, wine or perhaps something more suited to your tastes?
Asarnil Veluvien* |
Knowledge(History: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21
"What do you people know about Razmiran? We should be wary of anyone down there. It's not a nice place and their so called "living god" has his priesthood bullying an manhandling whoever they deem a spy or not "pious" enough for their brutish standards... I guess the two shortle... herm" Asarnil stops noticing one of his new companions is a dwarf and continues "As I was saying I guess the two dwarven envoys we are searching for might have run afoul of these thugs and be held somewhere in Razmiran..."
Please consider as if Asarnil had explained what's written in the first 2 knowledge check spoiler boxes
After Passad and the 2 dwarves join them Asarnil decides not to tell too much about the mission ahead: "Great... there's 3 of them and one even comes from the sands... Better to err on the side of caution for now..." so he just adds:"Yes... the wine isn't too bad. I was just wondering how this pleasant social meeting my be productive in light of our future endeavour..."
Waldron Domine |
Sipping on some of the wine Waldron turns to Temel "Thank you for the exquisite food and wine, and we appreciate you lending us a boat to travel north. Do you or your fine dwarven friends know any more about the lands we will be traveling through?"
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22
After listening to Asarnil Waldron comments "So we will need to be on our guard in the region."
Ignatius, Paladin of Sarenrae |
To Temel: "Your gracious hospitality is appreciated."
To Metalla and Amauhak: "This is quite an eclectic group; how can we best help you? Can you give us some additional information about this Gray Revelation Inn mentioned in Venture-Captain Valsin's letter?"
Diplomacy, Aid Another for Waldron: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (19) + 13 = 32
Yâble |
Yâble doesn't seem too impress. He tells with flat tone to Temel.
"A piece of bread with cheese and mushrooms on top. And a trade accord."
Looking at the dwarves. "With any of you."
Still i am happy to have buy, this elixir of hiding in Kerse. If an event like last time happen, i am ready
And than he let's the other pathfinder talk.
-Posted with Wayfinder
GM Jeff cook |
Temel smile with a slight bow to Devonalia Waldron and Ignatius. He looks over at Phred and with a wry smile turns to address Asarnil and Yable
I am sorry my simple fare is not up to your exacting standards I fear the food on board the Abacus will be even less appetizing - such is the nature of boat travel but I am sure pathfinders are well used to the privations of long trips
Temel then addresses the whole group Now as to the Inn it is a way point on the Glass river just past the town of Xer I propose we first stop off in Xer to pay the appropriate dues and smooth any further interactions up the river before investigating the Inn
Harumph say Metella I suggest we sail past Xer and take our chances on the river. Perhaps someone in Xer tipped off these pirates that the first delegation was travelling that way
Temel is about to reply when Amauhak intercedes Emissaries calm yourselves. We have been over this ground before. I trust our Pathfinder guides to choose the wisest course of action But i believe it would be prudent for us to remain in our cabins as we pass through Razmir
Temel nods at the wise dwarfs words We have plenty of time to discuss this My ship The Abacus leaves tonight. There are enough provisions for the journey to Mendev but should you wish to accquire more palatable fare before we depart you are free to do so
feel free to make any purchases in Kerse before the ship sails probably my next post some time tomorrow
Ignatius, Paladin of Sarenrae |
Temel is about to reply when Amauhak intercedes Emissaries calm yourselves. We have been over this ground before. I trust our Pathfinder guides to choose the wisest course of action But i believe it would be prudent for us to remain in our cabins as we pass through Razmir
Appreciative of Amauhak's relative calm and ability to bring sensible, constructive suggestions to the conversation, the paladin nods thoughtfully.
@Amauhak: "Remaining out of sight seems prudent. No need to announce yourselves as targets--especially if somebody tipped off the followers of Razmir."
@All three guests: "If you do not want to show your hand, then stopping in Xer to pay the requisite fees sounds like the best way to avoid rousing suspicion. If they find a boat that purposefully tried to avoid the fees, they might be more inclined to conduct a thorough search." (Out of character, I'm down with avoiding Xer--either tactic is fine by me. In character, however, Ignatius would want to do whatever he believes is safest for our NPC guests.)
@Temel: "Are you offering to shoulder the cost of the fees, too?"
@Metella: "We will do our best to prevent your discovery. Though you would stay in your cabin, would you accede to wearing a disguise? We merely want to be sure to get you to your destination whole and healthy."
Diplomacy to convince the NPCs to disguise themselves while onboard: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 25
Asarnil Veluvien* |
Asarnil tuts condescendingly at Temel:"It's not your fault. I'm sure this is considered an excellent vintage by human standards" then the haughty elf adresses Ignatius idea:"While I applaud at your spirit of initiative my fellow pathfinder, let me point out at a crucial weakness in your plan: not everyone here could pass for something he's not. For example I dare say our esteemed guests here are not exactly experts of disguise. I have a different suggestion if I may. We could let our guests disembark before Xer, with an armed escort of course, then we reach the city, pay our dues and move up the river where we'll be reunited with Metella and Amauhak enturages, leaving with the religious bufoons none the wiser about our plan..."
Asarnil Veluvien* |
"That's why I said to give them an armed escort. We could even go with them and help them avoid roaming patrols..." suggests Asarnil trying his best to keep his bad temper in check
Note that I try to play Asarnil as a parody of the elven archetype. He's not a bad chap but he's arrogant and stubborn as a mule although he would never consider himself as such..."
Ignatius, Paladin of Sarenrae |
"It wouldn't be our mission if we paid others to do the work for us, would it?" Not quite grasping the elf's meaning, the paladin merely smiles and awaits either (1) responses from Amauhak, Metella, and Temel, or (2) further opinions from the rest of the team.
Yâble |
Those two should take a séance of mediation.
"In [i]my opinion, the boat was already bad idea at start. Those ambassador were in boat. They must be looking for this.
But now, here we are. Those dwarfs were captured because they had no permit. You do not have a direct relation with the dwarves, Tamel. So unless, you are married to this girl, It would be very easy to buy a permit in your name, because you look like those "not touch me prophet of money". "
Looking at metalla, "Or, we could do a fake one or take one from an another boat.
Ether way."
He than trys to do a little chat with Matella wishing to know the latest news in the five mountain kings and to good place to buy good cheese, mushroom and beer in Kerse.
He than talks with the second dwarf to know if he is the baby-sitter of the other NPC and why Tamel is here.
-Posted with Wayfinder
GM Jeff cook |
Temel draws a silk purse and pulls out two platinum pieces from it "Of course I am willing to pay the appropriate fees for my boat"
He listens to Ignatius and Asarnil's arguments before responding "I think you misunderstand the nature of the River Kingdoms trade travels by river and I fear sending the emissaries by foot would expose them to greater danger. I believe you have a saying amongst pathfinders never split the expedition?"
Metella listens to Yable's proposals with interest "These ar good in principal but I would like to see how you fare in our current trip before making a commitment. But I do like a dwarf who can make up his mind"
the nature of this scenario is you make a good impression with Temel or Metella trying to win favour with both is going to be a very uphill struggle
Devonalia Crystalwind |
"Does not matter to me which way it plays out. On foot or by boat. Tis the same, the only difference is the time it will take. Boat will be faster but at the mercy of the current or a storm upon the waters. The ground path may offer sounder footing but will take some time. If we vote I say by boat."
Asarnil Veluvien* |
Asarnil uffs but keeps his cool and answers Temel:"We can always travel with them while you pay your dues in Xer. But whatever, I'm just saying being discovered will be much more likely if we stay on your boat. Doesn't mean we cannot deal with those religious zealots if we are forced to"
GM Jeff cook |
I may have oversold the options available to you. This scenario assumes you will be travelling by boat. You have two options available to you to sail past Xer and take your chances on the river (Metella's preferred option) or call in at Xer pay your taxes (Temel's preferred option). Taking either route will lead to an encounter.
I will also address Ignatius disguise option which I should have included in last nights post
Temel addresses Ignatius "I'm sorry I thought Holy warriors were averse to such subterfuge. I for one will not abandon the teachings of the Kalistrade and few merchants of any standing like to be seen employing such methods. Of course I can not speak for Metella"
Metella snaps angrily "I am a merchant of great standing and I too do not indulge in such subterfuges" She stops herself as she catches the hint of a smirk on Temel's face and realises she has been baited into an outburst.
Will post tomorrow morning about the Abacus the boat you will be travelling on
Ignatius, Paladin of Sarenrae |
Temel addresses Ignatius "I'm sorry I thought Holy warriors were averse to such subterfuge. I for one will not abandon the teachings of the Kalistrade and few merchants of any standing like to be seen employing such methods. Of course I can not speak for Metella"
Metella snaps angrily "I am a merchant of great standing and I too do not indulge in such subterfuges" She stops herself as she catches the hint of a smirk on Temel's face and realises she has been baited into an outburst.
The paladin responds without batting an eye, "In the service of a greater good--keeping you safe and saving the lives of the missing diplomats--I would risk it all, even my own life. In that light, am I averse to asking you to don a cloak to cover your finery? No, sir. Rather, I am averse to your needless demise."
"However, since that is clearly not your wish, I shall honor your choice." Ignatius bows again.
Diplomacy to make nice: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 25
I rolled a 25 on my previous diplomacy check when I asked them if they were willing to don a disguise. Should they have responded with such derision?
I will also address Ignatius disguise option which I should have included in last nights post
The in-character post was a mere discussion of options, was it not? No lies were told. Besides, Paizo has many scenarios where disguises are expected: #2-01: "The Bloodcove Disguise", #2-25: "You Only Die Twice", #4-07: "Severing Ties", #6-11: "The Slave Master's Mirror", etc.
Asarnil Veluvien* |
Seeing how the general opinion is cleary against his idea (which he clearly considers awesome) Asarnil exclaims:"Oh very well then! Let's travel by boat! Just don't come to me crying when things turn for the worse! As for what to do I refuse to bow down to those sanctimonious bufoons in Xer. Let's take our chances and avoid their patrols. If we are going to take chances let's at least do it in style!"
GM Jeff cook |
Ignatius wrote The in-character post was a mere discussion of options, was it not? No lies were told. Besides, Paizo has many scenarios where disguises are expected: #2-01: "The Bloodcove Disguise", #2-25: "You Only Die Twice", #4-07: "Severing Ties",...
GM reply If I may say it was a brilliant suggestion but the NPCs were more familiar with Sir Diddily Do Right Paladins and have their own reason for not wanting to use disguise. Whereas a Pathfinder Paladin is more often than not required to adopt a 'Ruse of war' approach as in such scenarios as you indicated
GM Jeff cook |
"It will soon be time to depart" Say Temel.
You soon gather on the boat called The Abacus A sailing barge crewed by 5 sailors of Temel As you sail north on Lake Encarthan you quickly settle in to a routine of sailing by day and mooring at night and setting a watch. The emissaries generally keep to the cabin but at this stage occaisionally take in some outside air
The Abacus is a sailing barge of approximately 70 feet length. In game terms it takes a move action to move from the middle of the ship to either the bow (front) or stern (back) If you decide to spend most of your time below decks in the cabins it will take a move to reach the middle of the ship. One of your party can sit in the crows nest if they can make a dc10 climb check. It is about 20 feet above the deck. In your next post can you tell me where you would normally be on the ship as it travels. Also give me a perception check in your next post. As I only see Ignatius expressing a preference for calling in at Xer rather than sailing past that is probably where we will resume
Asarnil Veluvien* |
Once everything is settled and the boat has departed, Asarnil sits idly near the cabins doing whatever he can to make everyone aware of his complete lack of interest in the situation at hand.
"How did they dare ignore my wisdom!?!? This is what happens ehwn you give these peasants a gold nugget... they plant it into the ground hoping for a whole tree bearing them as fruit!!!"
Nontheless the elf is bored enough to keep an eye open for anything out of the ordinary...
Perception check: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17
Yâble |
perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20
Seeing that nobody has climb up to the nest, Yable will.
climb or take 10 if possible: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
Ignatius, Paladin of Sarenrae |
The paladin smiles happily as the boat sets off. Ever the optimist, the human offers to assist the ship's crew whenever and however he can--fetch that, haul this, scrub the deck, he's truly happy being helpful.
While he works, he also tries to glean more information about the waters they sail: How pernicious are the perils on the water? How receptive are hostiles to non-violent resolution (diplomacy, intimidate, bluff, bribe, etc.)?
Diplomacy to make nice with the crew: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (7) + 13 = 20
GM Jeff cook |
I got the encounter wrong this one needs a perception chack of zero to realise you are coming in to Xer.
After a couple of attempts Yable gets the hang of the rigging leading to the crows nest he can get up or down by taking 10 on the climb
The crew appreciates Ignatius's efforts and ask him how effective cold iron weapons like their cargo is against demons and does he intend to join the fifth crusade against the demons in the Worldwound
The city of Xer occupies the north bank of the Glass River, and its dozens of docks remain busy as ships headed both east and west call at the port. Grubby men and women in bulky jackets patrol the docks, and few smiling faces are to be seen. The boat’s captain chooses an isolated berth sheltered on either side by tall warehouses.
As you approach one of the bulky jacketed oiks holding a barely trained wolf on a leash shouts out "What you doing in Razmiran? And how many souls aboard?" before the crew even have chance to secure the ship to the dock
please roll diplomacy/bluff/intimidate checks when responding and feel free to moveyourself from your current locationon the ship
Bow; Waldron
Midships Asarnil,Ignatius,Devonalia
Stern Phred
Cabin (3 Emissaries)
Crowsnest Yable (eventually)
Asarnil Veluvien* |
Asarnil does his best to ignore the incoming taxmen:"Maybe if I close my eyes and wish for it they will just disappear... Wouldn't THAT be a worthy use for a wish?" chuckles the elf to himself.
As you might have guessed by now,Asarnil is really bad at social interactions, better for him to avoid confronting these people unless things take a turn for the worse
Yâble |
oh my gosh... I forgot we had a paladin.... He can't lie... I think... Or maybe it is related maybe it a disease.
-Posted with Wayfinder
Yâble |
Yâble looks down for what his happening.
Really this paladin cannot shut his mouth for one second..