Iso Soturi |
Iso turns up to listen to what the VC has to say, and scratches his backside.
"Iso will fight Skug!" he says cheerfully between burps.
Iso Soturi |
"We fight, everyone win! Ale for All But Iso prefer to fight with axe. If Skulg pick Iso weapons, then Iso will pick Skug weapon." laughs Iso as he points to the orcs Gladius.
Iso Soturi |
Has to be non lethal in PFS, which probably means no raging as well, but as we can both rage that doesn't make a big difference.
Iso takes a ready stance with his axe "First out of breath loses" Go to half hp
Iso Soturi |
init: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12
Iso Swings
attack, NL: 1d20 + 9 - 4 ⇒ (2) + 9 - 4 = 7
But the flail is nimbly dodged.
When you work out your damage on Iso, his DR 4 against non lethal damage
"Iso is just warming up!"
Skug |
dire flail 1: 1d20 + 11 - 4 ⇒ (5) + 11 - 4 = 12, damage: 1d8 + 8 - 4 ⇒ (7) + 8 - 4 = 11
dire flail 2: 1d20 + 11 - 4 ⇒ (5) + 11 - 4 = 12, damage: 1d8 + 8 - 4 ⇒ (2) + 8 - 4 = 6
dire bite: 1d20 + 8 - 4 ⇒ (12) + 8 - 4 = 16, damage: 1d4 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (4) + 6 - 4 = 6
Skug swings wildly, but scratches Iso's armor with his tusks. "Brax no hurt Iso. Skug hurt Brax!"
Mylvwara Elberion |
Oh, um, right. Well, I'll just perch over here."
A rather slight elven woman finds a stool as far from the bout as possible.
Flicking through her spell book, here eyes flick from summon monster to the two combatants and a wry smile flickers across her lips.
Mavarion |
-.. --- -
We're all going to die, aren't we? the stout dwarf in thick black robes thinks. Well, it could've been worse last time, but overall it is an experience I'd prefer to avoid.
Turning to the other three (presumably) sane people present, he nods and says, "Hi. Name's Mavarion."
Iso Soturi |
Iso smiles. "More people for Iso to have fun with!"
He takes another swipe at Skug.
attack,NL: 1d20 + 9 - 4 ⇒ (10) + 9 - 4 = 15
"Two more passes then time for Ale!"
Mylvwara Elberion |
Mylvwara inclines her head, "Mylvwara, pleasure to meet you."
She shares another wry smile with those who have sat together and glances at the sluggers,"It's amazing, the people you meet in the society."
A fox slips into the room and comes to her hand; she casually strokes its fur, barely glancing away from her companions.
"Been anywhere interesting lately?"
Mavarion |
"Depends on your definition, I s'pose," Mavarion shrugs. "Past five or so times they've sent me out, I've been with this half-crazed nagaji. It's unreal, she breaks almost everything she meets and died once on our mission at Lake Encarthan, then nearly did it again! You'd think gettin' torn in half by a giant crocodile would make her more careful. Oh, and some weird blob of who-knows-what from th' Dark Tapestry nearly drove us all insane at Illmarsh. So, interesting, perhaps, fun, doubtful. You?"
He heaves a small sigh and chuckles after anyone else recounts their adventures. "So, just another day in the Society. What skills do you fellows bring to the party? Mylvwara, I see you've got a spellbook, and prob'ly a familiar, by the looks of it?"
Mylvwara Elberion |
"Oh, Cariad here just keeps me sane when everything goes a bit crazy. she pats the fox's flank, "Funny how talking to a fox does that."
With a shake of the head she dismisses the thought, "Mostly I just read a lot and take a lot of notes but, in a pinch, I've got a few tricks up my sleeve. And by trick I usually mean magically enhanced, celestially-blessed lions."
"How about you, Mavarion; what's in your bag of tricks?"
Iso Soturi |
Iso smiles at the other two, putting up his axe for a moment.
"Iso brings his axe! And liking for ale." after a moment he adds "And for women who like men with axes who like ale." hopefully.
GM Derek W |
The memories of your gathering seem fresh in your mind, but for a moment you focus again on the present.
The intermittent breeze off the Vanji River provides welcome respite from the jungle’s torrid oppression. The docks in Nantambu seem as busy as any in Absalom, Katapesh, or Sothis. Hundreds of dockhands move quickly to offload exotic cargo from vessels ranging from single-person canoes to fifty-foot-long river barges. All manner of items can be seen entering the city including rare animal pelts, fine linens, and fruits and vegetables from the far corners of Golarion.
Just past the docks, vast open-air markets completely encompass the mosaic-decorated towers making up Nantambu’s inner city. Hundreds of glass chimes and beaded charms hang from the towers’ balconies and windows, casting a kaleidoscopic radiance across the city’s skyline.
Another time, exploration of the jewel of the Mwangi Expanse would be a welcome excursion, however, Master of Scrolls Kreighton Shaine’s words to you from before the journey’s start still ring clear.
“As I’m sure you’ve heard by now, the Society recently acquired what we believe to be the very core of the fabled Sky Key. The entirety of the organization is now focused on finding the four remaining pieces of the mysterious, fractured item, as well as finding any information we can regarding Numerian technology."
“We received word than an agent in Nantambu has obtained a copy of A Thread of Silver. The original copy of this book was stolen from the Technic League in Numeria generations ago. Since that time, several copies have surfaced. In each case, however, the books’ owners were savagely murdered and the copies were destroyed by Technic League agents."
“We don’t know if the book that was purchased is legitimate, but the very mention of its name is treacherous. Venture-Captain Nieford Sharrowsmith is off on an important expedition, so the Nantambu lodge is in the hands of our trusted associate, Aya Allahe. I need you to travel to the covert lodge—in the back of Sharrowsmith’s Exports on the outskirts of Nantambu. Take this coin and show it to the guards standing outside the inner sanctum. Tell them that you require an appraisal. They will recognize the coin and let Aya know you’ve arrived. Work with her to make sure the existence of the book remains a secret and see it safely to Absalom. No one must learn we purchased the book or of our operations in Nantambu.”
“The city of Nantambu and the surrounding territory are under constant watch by the Tempest-Sun mages. While the Society’s presence in Nantambu is known, the existence of a lodge there must remain a secret. I fear that any fantastical means of travel may attract unwanted attention. Your ship leaves with the next tide.”
The Master of Scrolls’s words fade from memory as the early morning sun continues its ascent into the clear Mwangi sky.
Given the flashback nature of the box text, please feel free to "retcon" any questions for Kreighton Shane.
GM Derek W |
Knowledge (local) to recall information about the Technic League
Knowledge (arcana) skill check to remeber facts about A Thread of Silver.
Knowledge (local) to remeber facts about Nantambu - PC's from the Expanse get +5 and may make the check untrained. Looking at Belvica
Knowledge (arcana or history) for Nantembu's magic history/lineage.
Mavarion |
Before leaving:
Mavarion searches around for the heaviest-looking object in the room, likely a table. Clearing any detritus off of it, he picks it up with ease and spins it on his index finger like a ball. "I'm not sure if anyone here is familiar with aether," he says casually, setting the table back down. "A rare substance from the Ethereal Plane, it occasionally seeps into this one in search of a host. Some call it a blessing; I call it a curse. It puts the host in intense pain when called upon, but s'long as I'm stuck with it, I'll take what power I can get, have some fun. I infuse objects with it to move them with the slightest thought, or to make them deadly, even the smallest mote of dust. However, when degrees of subtlety are needed, or my connection is blocked via antimagic, I am also quite fond of Abadar's sacred weapon, the crossbow."
After listening to Shane's speech, the dwarf inquires, "Why are we being sent? A ship would take time to arrive, which is of the essence. If a Pathfinder is in possession of the book, could they not seek refuge in the Lodge until someone of your power could travel magically there and back to retrieve it?"
Iso Soturi |
Iso scratches his butt and burps louldy.
He boasts at the top of his voice. "Iso Sotouri is the SOUL of discretion!"
Iso however is not the soul of knowledge, and knows nothing about the area.
"Iso not like hot places. Last time Iso go south to Seagang. It was very Hot. Iso sweat so much, he loses fifty pounds."
Then he realises he has forgotten to ask important questions.
"Is Aya Allahe pretty?"
His companions voices blur in the background, but something is obviously bothering him.
"Mavarion. Talky elf say magical travel be easy to to see and attract attention. Soul of Discretion not attract attention. Ladies yes! flies, Certainly. But never attention."
Belvica Insnare'ba |
Knowledge Geography 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17
Knowledge Local 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
Figured A geography check might be handy.
Polyglot
Mylvwara Elberion |
knowledge arcana: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (4) + 13 = 17
knowledge local: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23
knowledge arcana: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (5) + 13 = 18
knowledge local: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28
Mylvwara Elberion |
On the journey, Mylvwara delivers a series of lectures about the region.
Feel free to read the appropriate spoilers for my checks
She clearly enjoys this very much indeed and occasionally halts mid-lecture to make notes or look things up.
Iso Soturi |
As the ship sails south, Iso progressively removes layers of clothing. While a big man, it is apparent that a fair, though not major, proportion of his bulk is the heavy clothing that provide protection from the cold northern weather.
"Iso has been south before!" he adds proudly.
While any ladies on the ship might or might not swoon at his magnificent figure, the local wildlife seems interested in the clothing, for certainly the pile seems to attract more than its share of flies and insects.
The big (though perhaps not quite so big as before) man looks regretfully at his heap. "Iso is very wise to remove clothes now. It gets very hot soon. You will see. Iso is well travelled."
Aside from avoiding his pile of stinky clothes, the crew seems to avoid getting downwind of the big man. "Do not worry friend sailors!" he calls out. "Iso is very skilled with axe, and will not accidentally hurt you!" Perhaps he misunderstands their avoidance of him.
"Skug. Iso bring Ale aboard. Time for Drinks now! Staying hydrated is very important!"
It would seems that Iso, having finally found someone slower and even less attractive than himself, has taken a protective interest in Skug
Mavarion |
I was thinking teleport straight into the lodge and back, but I see what he means. Perhaps Iso isn't as fool as I thought....
"I, too, have been south before. It might've been something regarding Venture-Captain Sharrowsmith, but I don't recall."
Turning to Iso, he adds, "Yes, it was very hot. I remember one lad who refused to take off his plate mail and practically fell unconscious 'til we reached shade. Good thing I picked up this little trick..." the dwarf snaps his fingers, and a light breeze starts blowing outwards centered on him.
Iso Soturi |
Iso nods to the dwarf. "Iso agrees axes are best. Good for cutting trees as well as bandits. Iso tried to knock down tree with mace once... It took a long time."
Van Potter |
Knowledge (local) Technic League: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27
Knowledge (arcana) Thread of Silver: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (6) + 13 = 19
Knowledge (local) Nantambu: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11
Knowledge (arcana) Nantembu's magic history/lineage: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (16) + 13 = 29
Knowledge (history) Nantembu's magic history/lineage: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11
A gnome with a blue pompadour in a oil stained explorer outfit wakes up from his nap, "Man you cats are loud. Dig this. The Technic League hunts down technological items for the sake of power. They'd definitely be into A Thread of Silver since it's about the biggest technological site of all, The Silver Mount, and will probably kill to get it."
"Legends have it that some Old-Mage Jatembe and his Ten Magic Warriors were active in the area. They blended arcane with druidism somehow, but that's probably made up."
He yawns again then adds, "I'm ready to head to this Aya Allahe anytime you cats are."
Iso Soturi |
"Iso see snow leopard once. Very big cat. Leopard try to eat Iso. Iso not sure he likes cats any more. Little cats good for catching rats though." admits the big guy.
"Iso not sure axes best for hunting cats. Cats very fast!"
Mavarion |
"I can use an axe too, I s'pose," Mavarion notes, pulling one from his haversack. "I just don't do it very often. Prob'ly could throw it 'bout as well as any other object, now that I think about it. It lacks style, though."
The dwarf then decides to participate a little in Iso and Skug's earnest discussion. He feels a bit bad for writing them off as common muscle-for-hire, as smarter agents have often done in his case.
"On the subject of cats, yes, they're fast. Last time I was in the Expanse, we got attacked by Aspis agents, one of 'em had a big cat and a swarm of angry wasps. I cut his head off with his own cat, which was as difficult as it sounds, and then flattened the wasps with it. My power hurts, but I've ne'er seen anything more fun."
"On the more relevant subject of th' League, I've never met any. Doesn't seen like they'd be too chummy with us, given our involvement with the Sky Key and whatnot. Might as well find Allahe quickly, time's of the essence."
Belvica Insnare'ba |
Belvica says, "Desa smal caz ur qweeek budema agyle. De grayt lioneszzss isa ma to be fiired aund worshifted. She bringsada leif. In de buschveld it isso."
Dwarfen
Iso Soturi |
Iso splutters "Lacks .... Style????" for a moment it looks like he is about to be mortally wounded. Then the light dawns.
"Mavarion not spend time up north. Lots of Axe Styles. Felling Tree! Mammoth Trample! Bear on Hind Legs. All good Styles. Iso like Bear on Hind Legs best. Suits Iso's broad manly frame."
He tut tuts to himself about the ignorance of southerners.
"Mavarion should learn more. Society all about learning. Maybe one day you know as much as Iso."
Van Potter |
Van does his best not to roll his eyes at the topic of cats, then appears a bit confused at Belvica, "You guys call gnomes 'geodes'? That's different."
Mavarion |
"'Geodes?' Can't say I've ever heard the term."
The dwarf then bows his head humbly to Iso. "Yes, I suppose I could broaden my horizons more, I've only been up north once, on assignment. I would consider myself complete and honored if and when I'm as learned as you, Iso."
I like this guy.
Iso Soturi |
Iso nods sagely. "Many people honored by meeting Iso. Iso especially enjoys honoring pretty ladies.."
The barbarian looks around hopefully, however any potential lucky ladies down wind are swooning, and those upwind seem to have missed noticing him. Must be that discretion he was talking about.
Iso Soturi |
"Iso fight strange rock creatures in Lucent archive. Iso fight big ice dragon on Dragons Back!"
GM Derek W |
The ship arrives in port, and you disembark with the other passengers. After that, it is relatively easy to find your way to Sharrowsmith's.
Towering wooden gates stand open, leading to a vast courtyard surrounded by thick, stone walls. Dozens of colorful awnings cover rows of tables and carts, as hundreds of customers peruse all manner of exotic goods.
Two large, vaguely human statues rise from a central fountain. Their faces look up to the sky and their gaping mouths overflow with water feeding into the basin below. Beyond the fountain stands an immense stone building lined with monolithic pillars, behind which is a facade carved with great beasts native to the Mwangi jungles.
Two guards stand watch over the bazaar just inside the gates, and two more stand outside the sealed doors to the inner building.
BTW, for Iso - you may have already read this, but Nantambe is definitely in the "over 5K people" category.
Iso Soturi |
Iso smiles at the guards as he approaches them. Taking out the coin he shows it saying "Iso Soturi is here and requires an appraisal"
"See!" he says turning around to his companions.
"Soul Of Digestion!"
The comment is unfortunately followed by a burp of potentially ground shaking proportions.
Mylvwara Elberion |
Iso definitely means to say, the guards at the inner sanctum, just to avoid confusion. That's why he didn't specify, because it's so obvious. Yes. Definitely.
Mylvwara admires the statues, itching to take out her notebook, but tries to stay close to the rest of the group as Iso does the talking.
"Absolutely, Iso, very good show," she smiles at the guards and nods at the coin, "no time like the present."