[PFS] PBP GAMEDAY IV: GM JAK'S 7–05 SCHOOL OF SPIRITS (TIER 4-5) (Inactive)

Game Master JakBlitz

Gameplay open for DOT

I'm going to dot, with the hopes that my game finishes before the 19th.

Dotting

Khazan DOT!

Dotting...

Dot dottery

My sorcerer's game have being moving a bit slow but I have a 5th lvl archer inquisitor I can bring just in case. Also:
Dot.

The fall rains have come early this year, and a chill wind blows off the waters of Absalom’s harbor, bringing with it the smell of a storm somewhere far off at sea. Venture-Captain Drandle Dreng hurries down the street in a most unusual outfit for the aging Venture-Captain: some sort of blue military uniform complete with a green sash displaying a pair of ornate medals and a black umbrella.

“Ah, there you all are,” he half-mutters to himself. “Is everyone here?” Without waiting for an answer, he turns on his heels and heads off at a brisk pace, occasionally turning around to make sure everyone is keeping up.

“You’re probably wondering where I’m dragging you, eh? Seven years ago I sent young agents much like yourselves on a preliminary exploration of the necropolis below the Drownyard in the Precipice Quarter. The Drownyard is the name that was given to the old Tri-Towers School, once home to some of Absalom’s wealthiest progeny. It was destroyed in the great earthquake of 4698 ar, and we thought that all of the children, teachers, and staff had perished.”

“But let be back up a bit. Eight years ago, the Society discovered an ancient necropolis under the Drownyard. It dates back to the third century ar, and if you know anything about Absalom’s history, you’ll know that we know almost nothing about those early years. It took me almost an entire year of negotiating with the parents of the children who died in the Tri-Towers Yard to convince them to grant us access to the site, and when we did, what did we find? A lot of spooky stuff: undead, haunts, and some nasty bugs. But we also found something completely unexpected: a survivor. A little slip of
a girl named Junia Dacilane somehow survived in a death-like state for 10 years. The only thing that kept her alive was a ring of sustenance that she had found among the crypts. Junia’s mother, Lady Miranda Dacilane, was of course beside herself when we pulled her living daughter from the ruins and she vowed to not only give the Society full access to the property, but personally underwrite our archaeological efforts there. Soon thereafter I set up an archaeological dig at the Drownyard, and we’ve been pulling out fascinating fragments from Absalom’s early history ever since. Every year I visit Lady Dacilane to renew our contract to maintain the dig, but this year it seems that she wants us to jump through an additional hoop. She wants us, or rather you, to escort her daughter back to the Drownyard. It seems that Junia’s become a bit obsessed with her alma mater, and since the Precipice Quarter is no place for pampered young noblewomen, she needs an escort. Think you can manage that?”

Without giving the PCs a chance to interrupt him, he quickly adds, “Oh, and don’t forget to call the Drownyard the Tri-Towers Yard while we’re at Dacilane Manor. No one who lost children in the earthquake likes to be reminded of that tragedy… even the ones who got their child back.”

I should stop being surprised by how I find Dreng dressed by now. I don't think I had even have half his wardrobe back when I had little better to do. Ralin brushes away his thoughts, and walks briskly after the Venture-Captain through the streets, pulling his cloak in tighter against the chill.

He listens intently to Dreng's monologue, taking mental notes of the things that will come in handy later. Especially what to avoid doing to upset people. "Of course, sir. I'd be happy to. Is there anything else we should know about the family, or the Tri-Towers Yard before we meet with the Dacilanes? And will she be wandering about freely, or would you rather we be...guiding her to specific places, shall we say?"

"Hmmm an old crypt that used to have undead. No place for a child, I am sure we will find undead creatures in the crypt area once more. We should all be alert and not let them touch your person, or the childs." the Aasimar holy man says.

Once again, in a different outfit. This man reminds me of a bard I know... Maybe I should have a chat with him later about that issue. Morrin, signing slightly, then notices some small pebbles in the pathway and picks them up before running after the two men.

"Now, from what I understand, of what you told me, is that I shouldn't bring up the name this place was called for ten years? And as for acting as bodyguards, last time I did that, it involved stuffing a noble into a chest and feeding him once a day so he wouldn't run into trouble," Morrin shakes his head. "I still get talked to about that one."

Walking fast to keep up with Dreng he barely slows down to asnwer you as he continues his more than brisk pace towards the noble's estate.

"They are you typical nobles. Pompous and too concered with the less important things in life. They Lady we will meet is very touchy so try to be a bit more formal than your used to. As for where I assume you will learn more shortly."

Nobility: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
Turzyk shares what he knows with the others if possible.

Buri walks with the others in silence. So Dreng once belonged to the Taldan army, interesting.

Khazan looks at his simple garb with concern. I fear I am in no condition to meet royalty at this time, he laments. I am but a common soldier, unfit to mingle with noble types.

"I am sure your garb will be fine." Ralin smiles at Khazan. "And they are not royalty, merely of the upper crust, as it were. Those who have had money and influence."

Local: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (5) + 12 = 17
Ralin will consult with the others with what he learns as well when able.

"So we must accompany her, I suggest she stay in the middle of the group so we can shield her better."

"I agree on that sentiment. It may not be the most exciting, but being in the center of a group has its benefits, yet also downfalls."

Know Local: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20 Can only make DC 10 untrained. Why did I retrain Breadth of Experience???

Celfwyn follows along, scoffing at the emphasis on niceties and pussyfooting about a name. "It is what it is. For such a short-lived species, humans tend to hold onto things for a large percentage of it. It happened seventeen years ago, nearly a quarter of one's life. Why let it sway you for so long? Still, I won't make mention of it. Lest I create another grudge to dwell on."

The elf removes and dusts off his wide-brimmed hat, shaking his head still on the conundrum of emotions overriding one's thinking. Even this simple motion seems methodical, no wasted movements

Suddenly he chuckles. "I doubt a teenage female would stand for being surrounded. I would suggest we let her satisfy her urge and be swift to step in."

While I agree with most of what you said master elf, underground ruins can be treacherous. Once the main structure have collapsed walls, celling and sometimes even the floor cant be trusted. We should keep the girl close at hand. My name is Buri Sunwalker by the way. Says the tanned dwarf in summer clothes with a strong Quadiran accent. He also wears a strange looking red scale breastplate and an axe strapped to his belt.

"I volunteer to stay next to the child so that myself and Sarenrae's blessing will protect her. Seems we lack a heavy martial presence so I suggest we do not rush into battle foolhardily."

"Celfwyn," the elf replies simply by way of introduction. "And I do not say leave the child to her own devices, merely let her fulfill her desire and be on her way. No sense in us slowing down this visit for what little time she has."

A few minutes later you arrive at the manor shortly after noon.

Dacilane Manor is an imposing four-story townhouse of heavy masonry with a parapet roof that is festooned with numerous leering, demonic gargoyles. After knocking on the door, a middle-aged halfing woman in a large apron answers it.

“Please come in. My lady will join you momentarily in the drawing room.”

The interior of Dacilane Manor is just as imposing as the outside. A wide foyer with a grand staircase leads to the second foor, while open double-doors lead into the drawing room. Heavy black draperies cover all the windows, shrouding the manor in shadows. All of the furniture in the common areas is oversized, expensive, and gothic, made of dark-stained mahogany wood.

Khazan appears more than a little nervous as he steps into the drawing room. He is indeed rather simply adorned — a tan, unassuming cloak wrapped about his well-crafted, if bedraggled, breastplate — as he timorously wrings his hands, unable to sit, pacing. Money and influence, he muses, as much to himself as to Ralin, who had reassured him somewhat before. Is it only this that places these people higher than us, and not some other part of them? Thus could we raise ourselves to their stature?

Khazan is a capable enough fighter at this level, so we have *some* melee capability. :-)

you are correct. i kept looking at the faces of the avatars of the characters and must have passed over yours as the GM. apologies.

Having visited many noble's manors, and even some palaces, during the years he traveled with his clan's trade caravan Buri is unmoved by the opulence. My father used to say there isn't a door money cant open or a dream it can't fulfill. But life taught me otherwise. Somethings have to be earned. The dwarf says to Khazan.

you are correct. i kept looking at the faces of the avatars of the characters and must have passed over yours as the GM. apologies.

No worries. Without the ability to customize an avatar to what I actually envisioned, I opted for something fairly nondescript instead.

Khazan hears Buri's words and seems to ponder a moment. I admire this idea, that some things still must be earned, he says with a nod. It gives me some small comfort.

A tall, stern-looking, yet attractive Chelaxian woman with sharp features, a fair complexion, and black hair accented with gray and white. She is dressed in a well-made, floor-length black gown streaked through with crimson. A plain looking silver pentagram necklace is her only jewellery. Dreng immediately jumps up to greet her, bowing and
kissing her hand in a formal fashion.

"It is most pleasant to be graced with your presence today Lady Dacilane. Your continued patronage and support to the society is only dwarfed by your beauty and poise." Dreng motions towards you all. "These are some of our finest agents. I have no doubt they will be able to complete your request without any harm coming to your daughter. Dreng then takes as step back so as she Lady Dacilane can appraise the Pathfinders.

Lady Dacilane looks the pathfinders over and faintly says something under her breath.

Lady Dacilane looks to the others for introductions.

Retcon anyone else into that statement I missed. This is anyone whose current character played Black Waters.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

Khazan, visibly nervous before Lady Dacilane entered, now appears the epitome of refinement as he steps forward to greet her. Of course, of course! It is a pleasure to be in your presence again, my lady. Khazan nods to Turzyk and bows. We were only too happy to rescue young Junia then, as it was only the right and proper thing to do. Our good fortune that day helped bring us to this one.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (9) + 11 = 20

Please allow me the pleasure of introducing everyone. You of course remember Turzyk, devotee of Sarenrae. Please also meet the performer Ralin; Morrin, aptly called the Stout; Celfwyn, master apothecary; and Buri, nature's apostle.

Ralin takes a moment to straighten and brighten his clothing as the party approaches the manor, and looks around the drawing room idly as he and the others are led within, and wait for the Lady to meet with them.

He bows to the Lady as she enters, in a respectful, but not obsequious manner. "It is our pleasure to be of service to you, my lady. You may put aside your fears that your daughter will be in any but the best of care."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25

Ralin raises a mild eyebrow at being referred to as 'performer', but makes no comment.

"Greetings my lady. You have been a most generous host to us. We thank you."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

"It would be an honor to help your daughter. As for being called the Stout, I've taken hits that would fell others. Madam, you are quite elegant this fine day, and I thank you for being the most gracious host for our group," Morrin says with a low bow, and slight kneel.

Diplomacy: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (20) - 1 = 19

That's the best Diplo check I've made on Morrin. Maybe he's learning to properly talk to the high class folks? Unless they offend him..... That's when they get trapped in a trunk.

As the party enters the manor, Celfwyn removes his hat and places it on a hook at his side. He remains silent during introductions, responding only with "Mlady" and letting the others be more verbose. Should I have said more? So unused to human etiquette. They get so uptight over the littlest nuance. Wait, did I just say 'm'lady' or 'malady'? I trust she knows what I meant, but still... His thoughts continue and seep through to the look on his face. Perhaps not the best time to get lost in thought while in the presence of wealth.
Diplomacy: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (9) - 1 = 8

" I thank you and your society for helping with this discrete request. As I am sure Master Dreng has already informed you, I have a particular request of the Pathfinder Society this year. My daughter Junia has recently celebrated her eighteenth birthday, but she maintains a certain obsession with the traumatic events that befell her at the Tri-Towers Yard so many years ago. I have stopped her from sneaking out of the manor and visiting that place several times, and I feel that her past is keeping her from fully embracing her future. I would ask that you accompany her to the gods-forsaken Precipice Quarter and let her see her fill of the decay and misery. Perhaps those sights will cure her of her unnatural obsessions.”

She can't stop her from sneaking out, so now she's trying giving her daughter a taste to see if that's enough to quell her appetite? It's worth a shot, I suppose. "I understand your concern of her exploring the place on her own. We will accompany her, and make sure that no harm befalls her as she gets her look around."

Any remaining questions?

"You would like her to return here before nightfall, I presume. Are there any parts of the Tri-Towers Yard you would wish us to avoid?"

"During her recovery, did she describe any creatures where she was held? This will allow us to better prepare for any circumstances that might arise in protecting your daughter."

Celfwyn has no questions, so allows the others to inquire.

"While it is a dangerous place I do not have any specific information on what nests there. It is a dangerous place even during daylight hours, so use your best judgment. Let her stay as long as she wishes, but bring her back before nightfall tomorrow.”

Excellent! Khazan says. When will Lady Junia be ready to depart for the Tri-Towers Yard?

"Sandy can you go tell Junia our guests have arrived." Lady Dacilane motions up the stairs to the halfling servant.

A few moments a woman with the height, black hair, and fine facial features of Lady Dacilane but, much less weariness of age comes bounding down the stairs and into the sitting room. Unlike her mother’s carefully coiffed hair, Junia’s is short and practical, and she carries herself with a confident and unladylike swagger. She is dressed in grey breeches, knee-high leather boots, a white cotton shirt, and an azure blue riding coat with tails with a golden eagle pin on the lapel. Beneath her coat, it is clear that she is wearing a mithral chain shirt. Upon arriving in the drawing room, Junia clicks her heels in a military manner and greets her mother with a mischievous grin.

Lady Dacilane immediately turns bright red with embarrassment “Why are you wearing such a ridiculous outfit in front of our guests!”, and then throws up her hands and storms out of the room without another word.

"I am so glad to meet you all! Call me J."

She turns to her former rescuers "Turzyk and Het Arra can you please sign these for me! I was really hoping I would be able to meet you two again." She pulls a few books from her pack and you realise they are Pathfinder Chronicles featuring some of your past exploits.

Dreng coughs loudly as to draw everyone's attention to himself."It looks like everything is now in order. Here is the Key to the Tri-Towers site and while the majority of known threats have been taken care of be careful of a particularly nasty haunt in the school house. We've tried to eliminate it several times, but it keep coming back. If you do need to go in there, take a look in the supply closet, you may find it useful.”

Ralin holds his expression neutral until the Lady has departed, then gives an approving nod to Junia. "You are wearing something practical, good. It is a pleasure to meet you, J." This could go better than I'd feared. Even if she is unpracticed, she has put some thought into this.

He listens to Dreng, and nods to him in acknowledgement, making a mental note of that information.

He addresses J again. "I believe we are ready to depart as soon as you are. Are there any last-minute supplies you would like to pick up before we begin the expedition?"

"Of course My Lady I will glady sign your book." Turzyk sings the book and then listens intently to the briefing by Dreng.

Khazan does not react when Lady Dacilane erupts, nor when she storms out, but turns to Junia with a wide grin after she has departed. You are as adventurous now as you were years ago!

He signs her book as Dreng lectures further, then speaks quietly to Junia again. It is wise for you to take this seriously; experience teaches that the seemingly mundane is often the least so. It is entirely possible that this will not be a Sunday picnic.

Junia seems exstatic to get your signatures on her books. "Thank you so so much!" She takes the tome and returns it to an empty spot in the book shelf. You notice that she has quite the collection of Pathfinder chronicles.

"Are you kidding me? I have my pack ready for weeks waiting for this!" Junia goes through her pack infront of the Pathfinder's.

She seems very proud of her pack and once it is tied up again looks up. She is obviously eager to get moving and watch your every move.

"I have travelled with Pathfinders less well prepared. You have packed well." He looks to the Venture-Captain. "Unless you have any further advice or instructions, I think we'll be on our way. Ralin is ready to head out.

Ralin speaks truth, Lady Junia, Khazan nods. You have planned well for many hazards.

As the party departs from Dreng, Khazan says to Junia, Our instructions are to protect you, and we shall do so with all our faculties. Leaning in closer, when they are out of earshot of the Venture-Captain, he continues. However...should you decide that a life with the Society is what you truly crave, I shall be only too happy to sponsor you at the Grand Lodge.

"Please call me J." Junia repeats with a look of pleading on her face."Junia is a terrible name for someone on adventure" Although the next offer surprises her "Sponsor? Me? I don't know what to say." She seems very excited but, it was unexpected.

Dreng looks happy at what he has achieved and as though you have already succeded. "nothing else no. I must be off. There is some important work to be done back at the Grand Lodge and It can't wait any longer." With that he hurries out of the room and off down a distant street.

Ralin would suggest the route via the Docks District. "There's enough of us, the rougher sorts mostly won't look at us twice, while in the Coins, you'd have to worry more about pickpockets. I'm also more familiar with the area, myself." He won't protest if the group votes differently, however.

Would a Know: Local roll tell me any more?