Shackled City (Pathfinder) - GM_Chris
Game Master Chris Shannon 719

Toffitt walks through the crowd, examining any remaining wounds and offering a couple of healing extracts to anyone who is severely injured. Eventually he approaches Cog with trepidation, and attempts to make amends.

"Sorry, boy. Who's a good..."

Handle Animal 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

He quickly withdraws his hand, sensing that the dog might power attack it.

Once the crowd has been triaged, Toffitt examines carefully the bug eyed monster, and peers into the wrecked warehouse.

Where did this thing come from? Things like this don't just appear out of no where. Give the city's recent troubles, is it paranoid fo me to suspect foul play?

Take 20 Perception on the umber hulk = 29
Perception peering into the warehouse ruins 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22

Glimmil shakes his hammer at the dead bug creature, and once it's clear things are calming down, he hops off Cog and ruffles him behind the ears.

"Good job, boy. I'm sure Doc' didn't mean to stab you - everyone seemed possessed!"

Glimmil looks up and sees Dyrant flying around with a baby and wonders for a moment...

Shaking it off, he assists Atol with the crowd.

"Everything's clear! Once again the Cauldron Five did what needed to be done..." Suddenly Glimmil finds himself distracted, "Oooooh - puppets!"

When the mother calms down, Dyrant will return the babe and give the child the blessing of St. Cuthbert (Screw you, Cog! You're now Celestially betrothed/enhanced to another god! ;)).

"Daughter, do not blame yourself for your actions here today. No harm was done and you were under the influence of a terrible evil. Remember St. Cuthbert in your prayers tonight, for his Cudgel is the one that saves," Dyrant says as he returns the baby to the mother.

Dyrant will ensure no one walks away still tending injuries, his gentle touch and quick prayer to St. Cuthbert will be freely given. Healing hex on overload.

"Blessed be the Cudgel who protects the innocent."
"Those who hold the Cudgel with faith need fear no evil."
"Stealing is, uhm, ehr, hurtful? Don't steal?" Dyrant inadvertently rehashes Atol's line into his line of blessings, feeling confused as to why he felt the need to include it now.
"Hold your cudgel strongly when facing evil. Stand defiant with the Cudgel!"

When people are tended, Dyrant will inspect the bug beast as well...even taking time out to sketch the beast in detail for both further study and later identification.

Been a while since I sketched...this is a new danger to me.

Dyrant will spend a few moments dissecting one of the mandibles, both for study and trophy for the house.

This will go great above the fireplace.

More RP posts to come...gaining level stuff.

Dyrant hands the baby back to the mother and the baby pulls out a small shiny rattle and holds it out to Dyrant, "Trezure".

The mother pipes up. "He wants you to have his toy. Probably because you don't have any shiny objects like your friends."

The baby continues to hold out the rattle towards Dyrant, shaking it back and forth. "Trezure! Trezure!"

The party looks through the rubble and finds the inside of Maavu's warehouse completely trashed. There are some sigils on the ground that might have been part of a summoning circle but the destruction has made it impossible to tell more at this point. Maavu himself is nowhere to be found.

Glimmil goes to visit the puppets which must have looked magnificent at one point, but are now all broken and covered in blood. Atol's healing energy did not extend to these tiny people. The puppeter himself is still numbly holding the tiny sword he had plunged into his own eye just minutes before.

"I think it might be time to take my show on the road and get out of this doomed town."

The mother pipes up. "He wants you to have his toy. Probably because you don't have any shiny objects like your friends."

Dyrant gives the woman a stern look.

This woman is a poor excuse for a mother.

"Lady, you should teach this child that joy does not come from treasure, but from the blessings of life and of St. Cuthbert. Baubles and the like are nothing compared to the riches of a just and noble life. Teach it not to value the trappings of toys when it could have the fullness of the Angels," Dyrant scolds the mother gently before walking away.

Examination of the monster reveals no clues nor treasure.

As the party investigates the scene and tends to the wounded, a woman can be seen standing in the shade of a tree outside of the area of destruction. She wears a simple, yet elegant violet dress with a simple silver oval pendant hanging above her bosom. She holds a crystal glass which she sips from as the party works.

Finneas rubs his head an looks about.

"What was that thing? And how did it make everybody go crazy?"

The Kordite will move around the area, moving carts back into place and shifting rubble for the investigation.

"I think it might be time to take my show on the road and get out of this doomed town."

I will follow this magnificent show wherever it goes... the Cauldron Five can continue without me...

Glimmil shakes the thoughts out of his head, takes a deep breath and boldly informs the puppet-maker, "have no fear friend, your ancient, entertaining art is safe here in Cauldron. If a people ever had need of your creativity, it is the people of our town!"

Did I just say that? Yes I did!

Glimmil fishes around through the various puppets trying to look for one that he thinks would be beneficial to the Cauldron Five.

"Are any of these for sale?"

"Are any of these for sale?"

The puppeteer looks at his bloody wares and then at the gnome. He looks about and then a smile starts to form. "They're all for sale, Sir Glimmil, but I'd like to keep a few. I'll need them for my new show about the tiny shiny knight and his puppy that slew the monstrous two legged ant."

"Hey, that would be great! Did you know we're starting a play about the Cauldron Five in Old Jzadirune? We should really compare notes!"

Glimmil begins to peruse through the puppet-man's wares, looking for a puppet he thinks that Finneas or Dyrant might like.

They're both so serious. I wonder if I can find a puppet of Saint Cudgel the Cuthbert...

Glimmil waves Atol over to help him browse.

"Hey, Atol! You should consider using puppets to help aid you with your sermons. People love puppets!"

Or if they don't, they should.

Atol too moves among the wounded and dazed himself not quite clear in the head. If he finds more than two more still with wounds upon them, he channels energy for 3d6 ⇒ (4, 2, 6) = 12 worth of healing.

"You're OK now, the creature is gone and with it the horrible confusion."

Hearing Glimmil's voice piercing over the din, he heads over to see what's the matter.

"Glimmil, that's a good idea. I'm no puppeteer though. I don't have that particular skill. Would you help me?"

Eventually he works his way through the crowd and notices the lady sipping her drink.

"Miss? Are you OK? Are you hurt?"

The woman finishes drinking and greets Atol. "Hello, Priest. You have done much thirsty work today." She offers the now full glass of white wine to Atol.

"Most excellent, thank you!"

Atol takes a couple of biscuits out of his pack and offers her one making a little picnic out of it. He happily munches and sips the wine.

"Have you been here the whole time? Did you see where the monster came from? We shouldn't have this sort of thing in the city. It's hard on the peace and it's hard on the furniture."

He takes out some cheese as well and offers her some before carving off a slice for himself.

I should learn to make cheese. We have space in the house for a small cheese closet, and I can add all sorts of herbs from the garden - like dill!

Dyrant takes a good long look at the summoning circle and surrounding area.

Take 20 Perception: as long as it takes to really examine the circle area and whatever is left of the shop.

As he does this, he can be heard whispering something to himself.

"Angel, what do you make of this?"

"This powder? Is it ground onyx?"

"Outer planes, you say. Interesting, Angel, interesting. But why?"

Dyrant will try to put the pieces together with what he knows of Maavu.

1d20 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19 Knowledge Arcana
1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21 Knowledge Planes
1d20 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 22 Knowledge Religion
1d20 + 13 ⇒ (7) + 13 = 20 Spellcraft

1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21 Knowledge Local on Maavu

The wine tastes of spring rain, mango, vanilla and oak. It is easily the best wine Atol has ever had.

"I happened to be nearby and was able to safely observe your heroics. Such things shouldn't exist in this world. Fortunately there are people such as yourselves to protect the people."

Dyrant presumes the monster was brought here by the circle. He doesn't recall Maavu having any connections to the arcane. He is known only as a trader. In fact Skie depends on him to handle much of her importing.

Yes, but what does he import...?

Toffitt scratches his head at the summoning circle. If there is time, he then wanders out to eavesdrop on the conversation with the apparently high born woman. He examines her words for some underlying meaning, and his memory (hoping to match a name to her face).

Sense motive 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27
Knowledge (Local) 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29

The doctor has never met the woman before. She seems friendly and interested in Atol and the rest if the party.

"Milady, might I ask your name?"

Sense Motive 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19

Maavu is known for importing anything and everything from household items to the magic items you've purchased through Skie.

The wine tastes of spring rain, mango, vanilla and oak. It is easily the best wine Atol has ever had.

"I happened to be nearby and was able to safely observe your heroics. Such things shouldn't exist in this world. Fortunately there are people such as yourselves to protect the people."

"Thank you very much for the wine, it is very refreshing! I've not had anything better. Where is it from?"

Dyrant, having sorted through the rubble, will ask around to see if anyone has seen Maavu lately.

"Has anyone seen Maavu recently?" Dyrant asks anyone still around.

"Did you see what happened before the beast erupted?"

"Have you seen Maavu recently? In the last few days?"

1d20 + 0 ⇒ (18) + 0 = 18 Diplomacy (Gather Info)

"Milady, might I ask your name?"

Sense Motive d20 + 9

"Greetings, Doctor. I have not had the pleasure of your company before. You did not begin this journey with them, but I believe you will be with them at the end."

"Thank you very much for the wine, it is very refreshing! I've not had anything better. Where is it from?"

"A place very far from here, but I keep it with me always. It reminds me of what's important."

Dyrant, having sorted through the rubble, will ask around to see if anyone has seen Maavu lately.

"Has anyone seen Maavu recently?" Dyrant asks anyone still around.

"Did you see what happened before the beast erupted?"

"Have you seen Maavu recently? In the last few days?"

1d20+0 Diplomacy (Gather Info)

No one noted anything odd before the creature attacked. However, a story quickly passes through the crowds that Maavu was seen riding out of the city this morning on a black horse with clouds for hooves.

Dyrant notes and thanks the crowds for their help.

"Please, please! If anyone sees Maavu, please let one of the Cauldron 5 know. There will be spiritual rewards for those who aid us in keeping Cauldron and Maavu safe."

Dyrant has nothing more here at this time.

"If by 'end' you mean our peaceful death from old age, then I can appreciate what you're saying. I trust you do not anticipate some untimely end for us all. That would be most unfortunate. Two of our number have had that experience already, and yet somehow have returned to tell the tale."

"If by 'end' you mean our peaceful death from old age, then I can appreciate what you're saying. I trust you do not anticipate some untimely end for us all. That would be most unfortunate. Two of our number have had that experience already, and yet somehow have returned to tell the tale."

The woman brings forward a card from behind her back and holds it out to Toffitt. "It is your immediate future I'm more interested in. Are you and your friends currently engaged in any other matters to save Cauldron or could you be of some assistance in another matter? If so, please meet me at the Cusp of Sunrise tonight. Just show the man at the door the card and it will be opened to you."

"I would consider coming if I knew your name. Given some of the people we've encountered lately, perhaps you can understand if I wish to investigate potential clients' bonifides."

"I would consider coming if I knew your name. Given some of the people we've encountered lately, perhaps you can understand if I wish to investigate potential clients' bonifides."

"Celeste. Please dress appropriately. I wouldn't want them to question my choice in guests."

Did Dyrant's search include Maavu's other warehouse? If not, he'll do it now. If the place is locked, Dyrant will drag Glim over to open in the door in the name of St. Cuthbert.

The warehouse is locked but the City Watch will happily oversee your actions and assure the employees that all is well. Nothing out of the ordinary is found in the warehouses.

"Celeste ____?"

Toffitt considers what to wear to the Cusp. [b]What do the top one percent of Cauldron society wear? I suppose Carts might be able to help me quickly procure such an outfit...[/i]

"Celeste Rosenthorn."

Toffitt won't recognize the woman, but Finneas, Atol, and Dyrant will recall her.

After selecting a pair of puppets he deems appropriate, Glimmil and Cog pad over to where Dyrant and the others are investigating Maavu's second warehouse, a look of satisfied accomplishment on Glimmil's face.

"So, it's all figured out right? Why did the big bug thing attack?"

Glimmil looks up at Dyrant, certain the clever man has it all figured out already.

Setting the wayback machine to 2011.

"Do I remember you? You were at the inn, sometime before the food fight I think. It's been an interesting few months since then. The Cusp of Sunrise? I don't know how I feel about not wearing my armor any more, seems you have to go armed in this town or not at all."

Finneas shakes his head, still unhappy that we was so easily taken out during the fight with the strange creature.

After selecting a pair of puppets he deems appropriate

I'll leave it to you. The cost would only be 5 gold for both.

"Do I remember you? You were at the inn, sometime before the food fight I think. It's been an interesting few months since then. The Cusp of Sunrise? I don't know how I feel about not wearing my armor any more, seems you have to go armed in this town or not at all."

"We met briefly at the inn. Some of those flowers bloomed. Others wilted and died. And others had to be replanted."

"You might be right about the armor, but I find it a bit restrictive. And I have not found much use for it. I tend to be unnoticed and uninvolved until I'm ready."

"The Cusp is perfectly safe though. The most dangerous things there are sharp words, unless you duel. In that case you know what to expect."

Feel free to go back in time, but I'm working by phone most of the day after this, so I wanted to do the typing now.

Characters will need to be wearing a noble's outfit OR masterwork (or better) light armor and 100 gp in visible jewelry to gain entrance.

Cusp of Sunrise

The center of the Cusp of Sunrise is a room some 100 feet across--a ciruclar tower whose inside surface is covered with bookshelves and iron ladders on sliding rails. A score of nobles are present, but only a few are reading. Most are clustered in conversation as they sip wine from slender flutes. Others play a dice game at a series of tables. A few eat, using fine cutlery while ensconced in plush leather chairs. A harpsichord stands on a small stage to one side, but no one is playing it at present. Blue-robed servants scurry from noble to noble, appearing and disappearing through swinging doors to the north, south, east, and west.

Celeste is not present at this time. Celeste

North Door, Stables

West Door, Greenhouse

South Door, Studio apartments

East Door, Offices

There is a full bar available and ordering food seems as simple as flagging down a passing servant for a menu. Meals range from 1 gp for slow-roasted mutton with spiced potatoes and leafy greens up to 10 gp for rare venison, saffron-infused grain medley, and druid-tended vegetables.

Dimly (at best) remembering Celeste he wonders what her interest is with the Cauldron Five.

I guess it's nice that someone is watching over us... but why? Are we really getting that famous?

Atol goes to the church of St. Cuthbert and looks for his brother Alexander.

"Alexander, I'm invited to a fancy dinner or something at the Cusp of Sunrise. All I have is my robe and armor but I think I'm supposed to be decked out in something nice to get in. I have a little money, but I don't know where to go to get a fancier robe."

"Where would you go? I'd ask Lady Urikas where she gets her finery, but I don't want to bother her with such a request. Oh, and I need it today too, I don't know if that makes for a problem."

Atol frowns and tries to remember all the shops of Cauldron. Who is the best tailor and will they work in a hurry?

...presuming he obtains appropriate clothing.

Atol is not particularly wowed by the finery shown by the other attendees but he is confused none the less. He looks deeper and tries to get a real feel for the people here. He spends a little time watching the dice game, and though he figures out how to play (eventually) he has no real interest in gambling.

He wanders over to the Dueling next. He has several angst filled minutes watching the duels and has to restrain himself from channelling every time the opponents are injured. He struggles to think through why someone would put themselves in harms way for a little fun. Eventually he compares it to being an adventurer - you have to enjoy the rush at least a little in order to put yourself in harms way. A little...

Strangely he finds himself in the quite of the library in the end. He doesn't even consider leaving the main area.

These people are confusing. They seem to have nothing but time on their hands so their freedom takes their interests into strange directions. Gambling with coin and blood. Strange. Maybe this is what Coryston sees in me as an adventurer. A gambler.

He spends many long minutes pretending to look at books while he thinks about his life and his future. Coming around again and again to the same crux - preacher or adventurer... peaceful citizen or dangerous gambler?

I wish Coryston were here.

He shrugs and looks for Coryston in the texts. Is she famous enough to have an entry in the library?

No skills, and Atol likely slept through the library studies class at the church so I expect he'll find nothing. Still, just in case: Knowledge, Local 1d20 ⇒ 15 max 10.

"So, it's all figured out right? Why did the big bug thing attack?"

Dyrant thanks the gnome (and Cog with a ruffle of the ears) for his help in searching Maavu's second warehouse.

Finding nothing, Dyrant shakes his head in response.

"No Glim. I don't know anything yet. This is very odd. I'm not sure what to think right now. A creature like that bug beast is no easy feat to summon, much less control. And there are no other signs here of anything illegal."

Dyrant ponders for a few moments, taking a few minutes to sketch Maavu's main office/workspace into his journal.

* * *

Dyrant grimaces as he counts out the coin to pay for a very nice set of custom-altered St. Cuthbertine clerical vestments.

Dyrant knew the vestments would be expensive, but still grimaced at the rushed cost.

I could have ministered for weeks on what I spent here. But, then again, maybe I can get a sponsor from tonight's meeting and make much more. The Cusp is known for its wealthy patrons.

Starting with the finest clerical vestments that can be tailored (100gp) in St. Cuthbert's colors, Dyrant will pay (50gp) for an additional embroidered logo of a crumpled hat (The Chapeaux) atop the holy wooden cudgel (The Billets) a marrying of the image of the two orders. The image behind the hat and cudgel is an angel, its aura of holy and divine light protecting and nurturing both.

Dyrant will also buy a second holy symbol of St. Cuthbert, this time made of silver. (25gp)

Seems I must found my own order to do St. Cuthbert's work here.

Dyrant will be ready to leave for the Cusp, dressed in his new vestments and with his 'sack over his shoulder and his new silver holy symbol on a cord around his neck within easy reach.

Toffitt finds Carts at the burlesque where he spends much of his time. "Dear one, might I ask for your help? It seems I've been invited to the Cusps of Sunrise, and need some fine garments to fit the part. If all works out well, I may have some more wealthy patrons for us."

Carts, who has been a regular in the cabaret's cast, takes Toffitt backstage to the speak to the theater's clothier. He emerges with a hastily but well tailored ensemble of turquoise satin embroidered with silken, wingless dragons. His white stockings have a similar motif of dragons, woven in a shimmering pearlescence. A simple large, white jade dragon head ring adorns his right ring finger.

Carts himself spends a good deal of time brushing out and glossing up Toffitt's dark brown hair. The result is transformative. What was a somewhat scholarly drab is now a bit of a fop.

He shrugs and looks for Coryston in the texts. Is she famous enough to have an entry in the library?

Coryston Pike

Dyrant yells again up the stairs.

"You coming, Finn or what? Are you dead again?" Dyrant yells, letting his irritation get the better of him...and immediately regrets the words leaving his lips.

Oops. I shouldn't have said that. He just came back.

"Sorry, Finn, sorry!" Dyrant yells up the stairs again. "Are you coming to the Cusp? I'm waiting to go." Dyrant holds up his arms and shows off his new vestments as if that might entice the half-orc to dress faster.

"How much longer, Finn?"

I hate being late. I think Atol is already there. I hope there is some food left by the time I get there.