PFS PbP First Steps - Part 2: Delve the Dungeon Deep (Inactive)

Game Master GM Aarvid

PFS PbP First Steps - Part 2: Delve the Dungeon Deep gameplay

About a week after your last adventure, once your wounds have healed and headache subsided, you each receive a wax-sealed envelope to your room addressed with your name.

Esteemed Pathfinder,

You are invited to attend a party being held this evening at the Lantern Lodge, the beautiful and exotic estate of the Tian venture-captain, Amara Li, in Absalom’s Petal District.

As you may know, this very night is the Snapdragon Festival, a traditional Gokan holiday featuring fireworks and rich plum wine.

You are encouraged to dress to impress, as you will be dining with a number of Venture Captains and other dignitaries of the Society.

Please seek out the hostess and head of the Lantern Lodge, Amara Li, upon your arrival. Captain Li is looking forward to speaking with you regarding your recent mission.

Sincerely,

Waki Huro,
Assistant to the Traveling Under Secretary of the Lantern Lodge

Elindriel reads the note and immediately looks at the clothes she's wearing, then back at the note. Dress to impress? Oh, dear - I can't imagine they mean for us to wear our finest armor. Well, at least I have some money to spend...

She readies herself quickly, then heads to the Bazaar of Sails to search for a dress and some tasteful jewelry to accompany it.

My plan, such as it is, is going to be to purchase a courtier's outfit, and the 50gp of jewelry suggested in the CRB. If that's not appropriate, let me know.

Great some snobbish rich party I am expected to impress at. If they wanted to be impressed I could just... No Eli you left that behind. Shopping... ohh well

Eli gets ready and leaves looking none to happy about it.

Dahriakt takes the letter on his hands, opening it slowly and with care, trying to keep the seal intact.

After finishing reading the letter, he smiles and thinks to himself: I suppose a party would be a good way to make some connections.

Sitting for awhile longer before standing up he start walking around the room, thinking.

I will hold any purchase for now until we know who will be joining us

"Hi Elindriel, it is good to see that great minds think alike" - Thosar winks at his half-elf acquaintance. He was strolling through the Bazaar of Sails when he saw a familiar face.

Swagerring like a peacock, Thosar walks slowly in front of the bard, showing his new courtiers outfit in shades of dark blue and green.

"So, what do you think - is the gradation of hues to soft to the point of making it barely noticeable, or just about right?" - without even waiting for an answer, he continues - "Ah, it is so good that you are here. A lady of taste for sure, what do you think - is this walking staff a bit too much? I do not really like silver too much, but I would say it complements the robes properly. Or is this bracelet, along with those cuff-links and these exquisite tungsten ring better? I think I'll go with bracelet, ring and cuff-links...unless you convince me otherwise..."

It was rather obvious that Thosar was in a good mood, and was more than willing to spend money on "proper clothes".

Similar to Eli, Thosar plans to purchase courtier's outfit, and adequate jewelry

Archmoon appears in a Explorer's Outfit. He was certainly not used to this kind of social conventions and was actually surprised when he arrived.

"Well, I'm out of place."

well i guess I could get a little work done before the shopping and party

day job slight of hand1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

Eli can be seen on the street doing card and coin tricks and people are paying him to do so. He tells you that he can make a pretty good amount of gold doing it but you aren’t sure how.

Eli goes to a clothing shop that was recommended by Thosar to get a “dressed for success” outfit along with jewelry that will accentuate the outfit. The whole time Eli is there he feels quite uncomfortable with the process of people touching, pulling, and tugging at him in order to get him measured.

All this pompous bull… Uhhh all I want is to do well not spend my time acting like some lord of a manor. I hate this

But Eli complies with the request because he knows that getting the opportunity to do things comes at a price. That price being the game of schmoozing.

What I really need is more protection after the last encounter. Nothing like getting your head nearly taken off to make you aware of that.

The tailor seems a little taken back at Eli blurting this out during his final fitting.

After getting his bundle of new clothes and jewelry Eli hurries back to his room to retrieve his studded leather and sell it and buy a very nicely crafted chain shirt. He wanted well made armor that will allow him to move more freely than normal.

purchase fancy schmancy clothes and jewelry.
Sell studed leather buy MW Chain Shirt. I will update character sheet

PURCHASES:
Waterskin (-1 gp)
Explorer's Outfit (-10 gp)

"Thosar, fancy meeting you here." Elindriel stifles a giggle at his preening, then answers, "I don't believe that the silver staff will be terribly practical, though it is quite...impressive. The robe and other accoutrements are quite lovely, though."

She continues on, peering into stalls and touching the cloth of several outfits, when she sees a dark plum-colored dress. That's the one! And, if I happen to spill some of that plum wine on it... She quickly purchases it and makes her way to a jeweler's shop she had passed only minutes before. There, she finds a necklace and earrings set with matching purple stones inset in platinum, purchases them as well, and rushes back to her room.

After she bathes, she puts up her hair, gets dressed and looks at herself in the mirror. Well, I don't know if I'm that 'impressive'...but this will have to do.

When she's satisfied that everything is 'just so', she makes her way to the Petal District.

And there stands Eli looking as if spiders were crawling up and down is back the way he was figiting in the new fancy clothes. The fit perfectly and jewelry that accentuated the clothing matched perfectly. It was an outfit that was made to impress. The only problem was the guy in the clothing could care less about how he looked. The young man grew up in a small Inn in the country and the fanciest thing he ever saw was the local Lords and Ladies who always seemed like they would drown if they walked outside in the rain. This wasn’t what he was trying to become so it made his skin crawl that he had to wear the outfit… literally.

I’ll be happy when this night is over. I wonder if the tailor would buy back these clothes… probably not.

Eli will leave and go to the party after he secretly makes a trip that is out of the way

.

All clothing and other purchases should be noted on your sheet. Please let me know if you plan to take anything else to the party tonight. We should be starting soon. A few last minute invites were sent to the event.

As you make final preparations, filled with excitement or dread, the time arrives to make your way to the Petal District. As you approach, you see some familiar faces. Some from your training at the Society, others from your recent mission for Ambrus Valsin of the Grand Lodge..

Only the luckiest or most influential Pathfinders receive invitations to Amara Li’s annual Snapdragon Festival celebration, and wise recipients take advantage of them. The aroma of blooming orchids and flowing wine mixes with the acrid tang of recently exploded fireworks, and the sound of strangely discordant music comes from a duo of Tian women playing an unusual stringed instrument and a reed flute. The crowd mingles calmly, most guests clearly hoping to be seen more than actually paying attention to those with whom they converse, though the plum wine seems to have affected many who now move about the lodge’s grounds waving sparkling wands of fire and shooting whirring, whizzing fireworks into the sky above the koi pond.

Elindriel is apparently eager to show off the new plum dress, arrives with the first of the guests. A well dressed human male approaches...and bows to Elindriel.

"Good evening, Miss Elindriel, welcome. I am Waki Huro of the Lantern Lodge, and might I say plum sets off highlights in your eyes, and platinum is always an excellent choice. Thank you for joining us for the Snapdragon Festival. Please go inside and mingle, I will join you shortly. "

how interesting...arriving in order, grouped by faction...could not have planned it if I tried.

Next come Archmoon and Eli...looking less comfortable, but at least glad to know someone familiar as they approach.

"Welcome gentlemen. Eli and um...Archmoon is it? I am Waki Huro, please go inside. I will join you shortly ". He bows and smiles at Eli then bows at Archmoon with a less than approving grin.

Eli looks over at Archmoon as they enter.

Man you look comfortable, this get up makes me itch.

sighin and fidgiting Eli straighten his rapier into position on his side.

Just a bit further back in line, Thosar and Dahriakt arrive at the same time.

"Welcome gentlemen. Thosar I presume? I am Waki Huro, and I must say, an wise choice on the blues-green selection. Bravo. Please enter the main hall and I will join after I admit the last of the guests. ". He bows and motions him to enter.

I will stop here until I hear from Dahr or a new arrival named Hawk.

Before arrive to the party Hawk goes shopping to pick up a courtier's outfit, but doesn't have enough for the jewels that go along with it that will make him fit in. Oh well this will have to do.

Purchases Courtier's Outfit (-30g)

Hawk makes his way to the Latern Lodge as instructed. Although looking a little sickly he carries himself with an force of presence that is undeniable.

"I'm looking for Eli or Thosar, I have business from the Grand Lodge. If anyone would be kind enough to direct me to them?"

Archmoon does not smile as he is greeted by Waki Huro, he simply stands there looking at the human.

He then answers Eli:

"I can't believe you gave in to peer pressure. But mind not, I only came like this due to my unfamiliarity with human protocol."

As Hawk comes up at the end of the line just as the last of the guests go inside.

"Ah, and you must be Hawk Lifebinder? You were a late add, so somebody pulled some strings to get you here. Eli and Thosar? They entered a few minutes ago. Thosar is the elf wearing green and blue. I am Waki Huro, I will join you in just a moment.." He bows and motions him to enter.

This were my purchases, updated character sheet to reflect the purchases.

12gp || 12gp || Gold left from Char creation
+417 || 429gp || First Steps Scenario Gold
-30g || 399gp || Courtier's Outfit
-50gp || 349gp || Jewelry, a ring and a necklace

Dahriakt walks in thru the entrance of the Snapdragon Festival wearing a red robe of sorts over a bright yellow with inner shirt and matching yellow and wide sash, the hilt of his kurki can be seen right above the borer of the sash on his back, but the sheath is concealed by the sash. Black leather boots, recently shined finish the outfit. A gold ring with a oval ruby decorates the middle finger on his right hand, a gold chain with a ruby stone also oval shape decorate his neck, and a pin of the Pathfinder Society is attached to his sash.

His gait is a little bit off, without the trident as support, almost limping, but he tries his best to walk straight.

Dahr pauses a moment, to scan the area, and upon seen Thosar he walks toward him:

"Greeting Thosar, I see I might be the last one to arrive."
while bowing moderately to the presents.

Indeed they did, thank you Waki.

Hawk returns a small respectful bow to Waki and walks towards Thosar.

Hail and well met Thosar! I hope that you were notified of my arrival. I am known as Hawk Lifebinder and if you and your company are willing I'm to join you on your journey. I'm here to see that you all remain alive.

Hawk gives a smile and suppresses a cough, all the while trying to look like he fits in. Although he carries himself well it is obvious that he doesn't due to the lack of jewelry on his clothes and the wasting sickness of his body.

I'm more comfortable with the sick than I am at fancy parties, but still my skills will be useful here.

Eli looks at the newcomer and muses for a second
why and how does this man know that which he should not. I will have to speak with my contacts.

Stepping forward
Actually I was informed of your addition to our merry band of gen...
looking quickly at Elindiel stutters and than continues

tle persons. Anyway Valsin sent me a note stating that Hawky here would be joining us.

Eli directing the last statement to the others.

so your a cleric or something right? Cayden knows I need one of those around seems I get myself into a little trouble all the time some how.

Hawk turns to face Eli.

Eli I presume. I'm an Oracle chosen by Sarenrae, though why she picked me... is one thing I have yet to uncover. Hopefully I can find some enlightenment on that subject during my travels with you. Besides trouble seems to be hard to avoid these days, we just need to make sure that as many survive it as possible.

After you spend several minutes perusing the party, Waki Huro approaches your group

"Ah there you all are. You are invited into Amara Li’s private study. Please follow me."

You are led to a chamber where you find a stately Tian woman seated on a reed mat before a low table set with an exquisite porcelain tea set. She motions for you to sit with her around the table, and once the door is closed behind you and have taken your seats, she begins talking in a low, hushed voice without even the hint of a Tian accent:

.
.
============
Amara Li
============
.
.

“Well met, Pathfinders, and welcome to the Lantern Lodge.
I hope you find the Snapdragon Festival and my hospitality
worthy of your time and energy. I have not brought you here
for mere pleasantries, however, and wish to ask you to partake
a dangerous mission on my behalf.

“Long ago, one of my most esteemed ancestors, who was
rich in power but poor in sense, gave a gift to a foreign prince,
a gift that prince did not deserve and my foolish ancestor had
no right to give—a ceremonial jade katana. At the time the
gift was sent, its recipient was invading this island. He laid
siege to Absalom from his fortress in the foothills of the
Kortos Mounts. Like those who came before
him, the warlord failed to take Absalom and
perished in the attempt. On the very day of
his defeat, his castle crumbled to dust in a
violent earthquake and has been lost to the
centuries ever since. My family’s heirloom
was lost with it.

“A recent report by a group of Pathfinders gives
me hope that they have finally found the ruin, and I
might finally recover my family’s treasure. I’m looking
for an intrepid group to retrieve it for me,
and I’m hoping that is you. The fame and
wealth you will doubtlessly recover will
bring you much honor within the Society,
and if you deliver the katana to me, you
will have my favor as you begin your careers
as full agents of the Pathfinder Society.”

Eli seems taken aback by the situation. Maybe not by the request but by the company. He seems oddly relaxed but very attentive.

So many people in the world are power and wealth hungry and in the end fakes just trying to take that which is not theirs. Bu she seems real... genuine even.

Eli continues to listen to the story.

I for one understand the loss of family and those things that belong in the family's possesion. Because of this I am happy to accept your call for help

Eli, usually quiet and calculating, seems to acting in a strange manner.

Elindriel listens raptly to Amara Li as her tale unfolds, then, hearing Eli's response, she nods. "I, too, will accept this responsibility, and thank you for the opportunity."

After hearing Amara Li's family tale and his companions response Archmoon gives his answer.

"We will retrieve your jade katana, you can be certain of that. It is at least a great excuse for adventure."

Archmoon slightly smiles, more to himself than to Amara.

Venture-Captain Li, smiles at you and your willingness to help.

"Thank you for your offer to undertake this task for me. I need to make it clear to you that the mission into the dungeon would be as Pathfinders, but the retrieval of the katana would be a personal favor for me. I trust that you will honor this commitment, and if successful, you will have my eternal gratitude. Are the rest of you in agreement then? "

She turns to Thosar, Hawk and Dahriakt on the last part, awaiting a reply.

Hawk listens as Amara tells her story than stands and gives a bow.

I will be honored to assist with the retrieval.

Dahriakt look at Venture Captain Li and calmly says:

"Understood, Im in, we will find retrieve the sword for you."

Eli will look expectantly at Thosar,

Well ... are you coming with us?

Eli has aleady assumed he would but wanted to hear it from him.

Assuming Thosar agrees too.

"Thank you all for your pledge to undertake this mission for the Society and for me. Here are the directions to the ruined keep. Please, I advise you to enjoy yourselves at the Snapdragon Festival then rest for the night, and venture forth to the Cairnlands tomorrow."

At this point, you are free to enjoy the festivities, partake in the excellent food and drink, and participate in the fireworks displays that light up the Petal District sky well into the morning.

While the you mingle and enjoy the celebration at Amara Li’s Lantern Lodge, several other guests approach you with requests and offers. The first is the head of the Andoran faction, Major Colson Maldris. He approaches your group, decked out in the military fineries of an Eagle Knight’s ceremonial uniform—a bright blue overcoat with polished gold buttons, gold eagle epaulets, and a fine, black felt tricorn hat. The handsome man is a charmer who clearly thinks very highly of himself. He speaks loudly and confidently, as if he wants the entire party to “overhear” his conversation with the you.

.

While Eli smiles and nods on the outside to those that approach, he is none too impressed by the other guests.

I would rather not be here, but I do what I must

As the Major almost yells in his direction Eli wonders what this man is up too.

Archmoon was completely bored with the party, but the arrival of the Major caught his senses. He stood there looking at the man, but not really paying attention to what he was saying.

Who is this character?

He was intrigued to know who he was, but the man did not introduce himself.

Hawk is about to leave to see the fireworks but upon hearing Major Maldris making a ruckus he decides to stick around for a short time to see if there is anything of actual importance.

I hope that he's just not being arrogant and boastful.... Oh well plenty to do tonight even if this turns out to be nothing.

“Greetings, Pathfinders! I hear you’re headed out into the Cairnlands on official Society business. Best of luck outside the city walls, though you look like sturdy enough adventurers. Perhaps not Eagle Knight material, but qualified for the work of a Pathfinder."

“A word of warning, though, friends—beware the walking dead. The crumbling ruins surrounding the city are rife with them, and you’re likely to run into more than your fair share over the course of your career. Undeath and the undead are more than just a physical peril, however. Undeath is the worst kind of slavery. And it should be eradicated like all servitude, whether to aristocracy or to mental control. Being enslaved to the flesh beyond when Pharasma calls one’s soul to the Boneyard is a fate I wouldn’t wish upon my greatest enemy."

So while you plumb the depths of Asad’s Keep, remember your solemn duty to your fellow man—both living and dead. Any undead you encounter along the way should be freed of their earthly shell

“If you prove your dedication to freedom, the resources of Andoran will be at your disposal in your future endeavors."

Eli seems to perk up when he hears Andoran. Eli wants to be a part of the Andorans for it was qn Andoran pathfinder who set him free of his previous life and gave him new direction.

Yes sir I shall do my best to set them free

"Undead... what foul creatures. I for one will gladly put to rest any that I come across. You ask of proof however. What proof do you require to show that the deed has been done?

Elindriel schmoozes with the bigwigs, trying to create inroads for further adventure. When she sees (and hears) the Major, she looks at him. Someone that full of himself doesn't strike me as the type to care much about anything but himself. Seems to me that someone like that should be taken down a couple notches.

"And if there are undead more powerful than we can handle ourselves, what then, sir? Are we to give our lives over to whatever necromancy caused those creatures to rise as well? I will, of course, put to rest any that I am able, but I'd not consign myself to the same fate if faced with a vastly superior force."

Scowling at Elindriel Eli bwgins to talk,

What are you trying to accomplish speaking like that to the major. First he compliments our ability and then gives us information about the place we are going and lastly states only that the undead is a slavery that he would wish on no one. And YOU attack him as if he wanted us to lay down our life and become undead? He only asked that we do what we could and he would look highly upon this. WOMEN !

Turning back to the Major

sir as I said before it is my honor to serve the Andoran cause and I will do what I cqn to set these souls free as and if I come upon them. I must make preparations for my journey tomorrow so I will bid you good night sir

With that Eli will offer the Major a handshake, give Elindriel a look, and turn to leave.

diplomacy with the major1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
Knowledge local on ruins1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

Archmoon was immediately surprised when he heard the word "Andoran".

"Andoran!? I once met a man who was from that faction, I never got his name, but he inspired me to join the Society, in a small way at least."

"I wonder if the Andoran truly are the freedom fighters the tales speak of. If they are, even someone like myself can be of use. But in any case I will be sure to keep an eye for those undead."

It was surely unusual for Archmoon to volunteer himself like this.

To Elindriel...

"Miss, I honestly know nothing more
about your future adventure than I have
already told you. My warning that you may
face undead comes from years of experience
dealing with Andoren agents who have died
exploring the ruins of the Cairnlands. Just do your best."

He turns to Eli and Archmoon...

"I suggest taking care if you do encounter the undead.
But I can offer only general suggestions on battling them as there are different types. Some slow, some fast. Ghosts and vampires may be beyond you. I do not know your capabilities or any specific foes
you may face. Just follow your instincts, gentlemen , and you will join the cause for
the glory of freedom and the righteous Andoren
cause of spreading democracy throughout the Inner Sea. Good luck as you show promise."

This guy doesn't seem nearly so arrogant as he first appeared.

Thank you Major for both your warning and your note of concern. I for one will do my best to aid your cause. Hawk continues somewhat jokingly, but there is also a touch of seriousness to him Although I do pray we don't come across something as terrible as a full vampire or a lich. Not yet anyway.

Hawk lightly taps into his power for channeling positive energy. He knows that it might be effective against your basic skeleton, but would be of little current use to a truely powerful undead. He then releases the power without actually expending a charge.

Although given some time and practice to develope my powers all undead shall fall before me.

As he is speaking, a member of the serving staff, decked out in a finely crafted silken robe, approaches the major and interrupts him, whispering something in his ear. He quickly excuses himself "I apologize, I must excuse myself.." he bows and heads toward the door, "I have urgent Eagle Knight business to attend to and wish you each good fortune on your quest.."

You resume your mingling in the company of the party.

As the party winds down, just when you are preparing to leave, a well-dressed Keleshite man approaches your group and asks for a quick word.

From conversations, you recognize him as Trade Prince Aaqir al’hakam. He is soft- spoken and subtle, quite the contrast to Major Maldris’s ostentatious pomposity. He draws the you to the side, away from any crowds or activity, and addresses you in a slow, level voice with a strong Kelish accent...