The Flaxseed Pathfinder Lodge: Explore, Report, Cooperate!

Game Master Redelia

A young halfling wearing a leather jacket and fedora with a pistol on one hip and a whip on the other stands on a table at the front of a spacious room full of chairs, bookshelves, display cases with rare artifacts, a small bar, and several billiards tables.

"Welcome all to the Flaxseed Pathfinder Lodge!" the halfling announces. "Most of you may already know me or have read my work. I am of course Trotter Flaxseed of the noble Flaxseed clan," he takes a short bow before continuing, "author of several treatises on the lost city of Rachikan and indeed the first Pathfinder to descend into the lost city and make an extensive survey of its architecture and artifacts, head historian on ancient Azlanti scripts at the Arcanamirium in Absalom, lead archaeologist on the uncovering of the ruined city of Dokeran in the Mwangi Expanse, author of several articles in Pathfinder Chronicles 45, 62, 73, 85. . ." noting the bored looks of his audience, Trotter decides to move on.

"Well, anyways. . . I decided that after such a long and eventful career-that isn't quite over yet, mind you-to start up my own Lodge here in the city of my family's origin, Cassomir, so that I might pass on my knowledge and training to any agents who wish to stop in. So with the Decemvirate's graces I have opened up this lodge and with their continued graces I hope to serve as its Venture-Captain some day soon!"

Trotter takes another bow before finishing, "Now, make yourselves at home and enjoy the Lodge. I will be seeking out agents as missions come to me. Be sure to act cordially to your fellow Pathfinders and be mindful of the carpet. Thank you!"

Trotter steps down from his table, jaunting across the room to a large bookshelf from which he procures a dusty old tome. He sits down at a table and begins to study the book with a look of exaltation and wonder.

Baddacus snores loudly. A stout halfling in hide armor, he sprawls in one of the chairs next to a bristling pile of weapons on the floor. He arrived ready for battle, but that was five minutes ago, before the history lesson put him to sleep.

An elf in robes enters the tavern and sits down at a table in the corner. Every once in a while, he can be seen trying to sneak food scraps to a small rat in his pack.

A tall, gangly fellow with dark hair and eyes slouches into the room and looks around. "So, looking for someone who might be interested in a short trip to Tian. Any takers? Already got a wizard, some Gorumite fighting cleric, one of them stone folk monks, a sneaky little guy, and me--the finest drummer in the world. Or at least I will be."

This pitch is for DM Rah's Quest for Perfection, Tier 1-2.

Raoul looks up at the man and smiles. "Ah, a good friend of mine spent some time up in those mountains. While I am intrigued, I must say that at his recommendation, I shall decline your offer."

Already played Quest for Perfection. It's a fun one. Enjoy!

Tian? No thank you. I've been there, done that.

I've completed that series in PbP already, wih I could play it again!

I've only played pt. 1. If you need another player for pt.2, let me know.

"Oh, you're going to Tian?" Trotter looks up from his book and lays aside his glasses. He jumps up from his chair and hops across the room towards a bookshelf, quickly scanning its contents. "Let me see, let me see. . . Ah! Here it is! On the Dietary Habits of the Ancient Natives of the Wall of Heaven! You may find this an interesting read on the way-especially chapters 4, 5, 8, 9, and 15, which were penned by yours truly!" He hands the book to the first person who looks vaguely willing to take it.

"Good luck Pathfinders! The Lodge will be waiting for you when you get back. I'm hoping to get some new agents here soon; perhaps someday we will rival the Heidmarch Manor in reverence as the most productive Lodge outside of the Grand Lodge in Absalom!" Trotter bounces back across the room and returns to his tome.

A young Pathfinder agent walks out from the office area with a note. He moves towards the halfling and hands him the letter. Trotter spends some minutes reading it over before announcing the Lodge, "It seems a veteran Pathfinder has begun sleepwalking, traveling through the dead of night in the same direction each time. Sheila Heidmarch would like some assistance to escort the sleepwalker to his destination and uncover the true nature of the strange phenomenon overtaking the man's dreams. Come see me for more details before you head out and remember to give Mrs. Heidmarch my regards."

I'm running 04-19 The Night March of Kalkamedes (1-5) if anyone is interested. The Discussion thread is open. I'll start once I get 4-6 players.

Also, does anyone know of any high-tier (7-11) games starting up? I've got a couple high tier characters that haven't seen action in a while.

Again? That guy has problems.

I've played it. Twice, unfortunately.

I've also played it; thanks much for the invite, though.

A lanky half-elf walks into the Flaxseed Lodge. "Oi! If my services are needed, I'll be hangin' 'round here or over at that bloke Ezren's place."

"Bit new to the Society, but happy to be o' service!" He declares with a wide smile.

Another messenger comes walking in to hand Trotter another note. "Eh-hem," Trotter begins to get everyone's attention as he stands atop his table.

"An active cell of the cult of Lissala—ancient goddess of runes and obedience—has been discovered in the Varisian town of Palin's Cove. I'm sending a group of Pathfinders to infiltrate their service and learn as much as they can. Come see me for details!"

I'm running 04-08 The Cultist's Kiss (7-11). I think I currently have two players so I'm looking for at least two more. Let me know if you're interested; I should have a spot. I'm opening up public recruitment if I don't get any takers in a day or two.

Damn, that's the one I ran with the ninja pregen at Space City Con this summer. I must decline.

I ran it with the Harsk Pregen a while back.

A little overextended at the moment, or I'd take you up on that even though I'd need a pregen.

Trotter flips over the paper he is holding, "Oh! It seems there's more!"

He reads quickly, his eyes widening. "Right here in Cassomir! It seems some Pathfinder and Aspis agents have gone missing in the Imperial Naval Shipyards. Come speak to me for more details!"

I'm planning to run the entire five-part Devil We Know series, beginning with 01-29 Part I: Shipyard Rats (1-7). Ideally I'm looking for four characters who have not played any of them before to go through all five together in succession. I'm leaving the last two seats open because I have had a few people interested in jumping in for later parts they have missed.

Having played it, I would not recommend it for a party of four first-level characters. We had a party of six first-level characters and had to run away during the second fight. Part of it was poor tactics on our part but other people on the boards have agreed that this one is best tackled above first level.

Let me know if you are interested. We'll get started once I have a party of four.

Alie, my 5th level sorcerer is up for it, DM. If you want a run that high a tier, that is.

If you want to go lower, I have a couple second levels I could sub in...either a witch or an inquisitor.

This is Gerald.

I'm fine GMing any tier. Depends on who else we get.

Bah, I already have my PFS twin of Argust playing in this with GM Aarvid. I thought there were only three parts though. Maybe if parts 4 and 5 come around I could play.

Tempting, with DM Beckett's Penumbral Accords on the last fight and the holidays coming up. When were you thinking of starting? If it'll be a few days I may have space. I've got L2 tower elf conjurer, L3 human fighter, L2 ranger/L1 transmuter half-elf (assuming he survives Penumbral Accords), and human L2 rogue/L3 urban ranger. Would probably prefer not to tie up the latter, though.

I can certainly wait a while. So far Alie is my only taker. (I haven't opened up the recruitment thread yet-if I did I expect it would fill up in a couple hours. Giving you folks a chance first though.)

Much obliged. Penumbral Accords is all over but the shouting; I'm thinking that given the location I may be best off with the L3 fighter to go with Alie, as long as we can get at least one sneaky and suspicious type to go with.

Interdimensional, in-a-game-already pig dot, because I want to keep this tracked (but have nothing I've played in a EF game available, to my knowledge.)

Dotting

dotting

This is John's fighter for Shipyard Rats; all set to go.

Hey EF - dotting this, as Terrill will be the right tier soon.

Trotter's Lodge is open for Pathfinders of all tiers! I will still announce low-tier games here if I need more players. I just decided to try something different for high-tier as an experiment because I've had trouble filling them.

Dot for future games because this is very interesting indeed!

Hey Merck! It's Gyllan from Lucendar's vanished Crimson Throne game. Hope we end up in a game together, that one was fun while it lasted.

Hehehe.
It was fun indeed. I miss playing Eudonius, we had a good party going. Hope we end up playing together again too mate.
Cheers.

Looks around. This doesn't look like my tavern..

It's now also a fight club, but we don't talk about it. I mean Corb does, but that's because Corb only yells he's very emphatic about being heard.

I just signed up on the sheet for Sniper in the Deep. Will there be a separate recruitment thread, or will we simply start when it is filled?

Games will start once they fill up and I have time to start them. You can sign up for as many as you can play. Add rows to a game if you need to. When I start a game I mark those characters as not available for the other games they have signed up for.

Just put Desmond in with Varg - he doesn't wanna be separated from his drinking buddy.

Outstanding, Des! We work well together!

A white monkey scampers across the floor, weaving through patrons and hopping up a barstool at the public board hanging on the wall. Pulling a rolled up scroll from a small backpack, it pins a notice up for all to see. Standing for a second with tiny hands on hips, the monkey gives a satisfied nod, then leaps to the bar, steals a sip from someone's mug, and dashes out the door.

The Notice:

Pathfinders Wanted!

Hidden within the twisting paths of the Echo Wood lies the lawless settlement of Thornkeep. Here, the hardiest settlers and artisans ply their trades, ready to defend their own with blade or arrow; mercenaries and barbarians brawl in dismal taphouses, fueled by turbid moonshine and illicit backwater drugs; brigands and river pirates come to spend their bloody gold in unruly and dingy establishments; and monsters both benign and otherwise hide among the populace, eking out their debauched existences as they seek to inflict cruelties on their neighbors. Mercy, charity, trust—these virtues are in short supply in Thornkeep. It is a place where the bold and enterprising can make a fortune and perhaps even keep it—so long as they are strong enough to protect their wealth from the myriad dangers, both human and otherwise, that plague the town.

Beneath the weathered walls of Thornkeep lies an ancient maze of magic and madness. Once the workrooms and summoning chamber of a rebel Azlanti lord, these subterranean chambers were forgotten thousands of years ago after the eradication of the evil lord and his followers. Over the centuries, adventurers have found their way into these twisting passages and magnificent chambers, only to discover that the fading magic of the ancient Azlanti still lingers here. The people of Thornkeep call this dungeon the Halls Under the Hill, but those heroes who have dared its depths know this place by a different name: the Accursed Halls.

Rumors have recently reached the ears of the Pathfinder Society of something stirring within the Halls, and Baron Tervin Blackshield has given Pathfinders permission to explore the dangerous dungeons. All those brave enough to delve the Accursed Halls report to Aram Zey at the Grand Lodge in Absalom for further details.

DM Rah here! I'm running Thornkeep, Level 1 "The Accursed Halls." I'm looking for 4-6 dedicated players with 1st or 2nd level PCs willing to post 1-2 times per day. My hope is to complete it within a month. For the Discussion thread GO HERE.

Replay Note: All Tier 1 scenarios and Tier 1–2 sanctioned modules are available for unlimited replay with a 1st-level character for credit. The sanctioned modules may also be played with a 2nd-level character once for credit.

Trotter looks up and glances down the notice. "Ah! Yes! I believe my good friend The Amazing Ali is away on just that mission. Yes, he is quite the character. He can be a bit. . . overwhelming, but play along with his act and you'll have the most loyal and powerful friend."

Trotter thinks for a moment, "Besides, his magic act is quite good."

A man looks up. "Tis very tempting, three of my associates have been through the upper levels."

I have been through some of those halls as well, an evil place indeed. My Cheliaxian friend Darvik Willowbrook is determined to brave the perils of that place, even if only to show me that whatever I can do he can do better. The half-elf takes a sip of his drink and pauses. I hope I see him again just so he may be able to tell me the tale.

In the meantime I'll be looking for adventure myself. Let me know if I can be of service.

"Well my friends..." Maximo coughs and staggers against the bar in a dramatic pose. "I fear this may be..." *cough* "the end.."

"Oppara!" He sings weakly. "The guilded city!"
"Oppara!" *coughcoughcough* "So.. glorious.." He slumps to a seated position, bleary eyes looking far away.
"Oppara!" From somewhere he has produced a bottle of wine, which he raises in a toast, a tear in his eye. "Such... beauty.."

Sprawled upon the bar, he takes one last drink, and closes his eyes...

It was a grand story with many strange details. A poisoned dagger, a terrible golem, a beautiful priestess, a cult of thespians, and a far-fetched encounter with a basilisk in the sewers.

He opens one eye and looks at the nearest barmaid.

"And that was only one of the many adventures in which I nearly met my death!"

"Attention my fellow Pathfinders!" Trotter announces to the main rec hall in his Lodge. "It seems some of our agents have uncovered a plot concerning a cult of Groetus and dealings with the Darklands. And right here is Cassomir, too! Is there anyone who can provide backup as they investigate this matter further?"

I'm about to start Part II of the Devil We Know series and currently have four players in the 3-4 subtier (levels 5, 6, 4, 3, although two of them are leveling up after this game). Was there anyone interested in jumping in for Part II?

"What's this? Adventure!" Maximo leaps from the bar.

Maximo is level 6 now. Does that mess up the Tier?

"Ah, an experienced adventurer!"

I think after this game they will have 6, 6, 4, 4 if I remember correctly. So with Maximo thrown in there that gives APL 5.2

For scenarios written in Seasons 0 to 3, when the APL is

in between subtiers, a party of six or seven characters must
play the higher subtier. Parties with four or five characters
must play the lower subtier.

So with five players we'd remain in the 3-4 subtier.

"Well my friends..." Maximo coughs and staggers against the bar in a dramatic pose. "I fear this may be..." *cough* "the end.."

"Oppara!" He sings weakly. "The guilded city!"
"Oppara!" *coughcoughcough* "So.. glorious.." He slumps to a seated position, bleary eyes looking far away.
"Oppara!" From somewhere he has produced a bottle of wine, which he raises in a toast, a tear in his eye. "Such... beauty.."

Sprawled upon the bar, he takes one last drink, and closes his eyes...

It was a grand story with many strange details. A poisoned dagger, a terrible golem, a beautiful priestess, a cult of thespians, and a far-fetched encounter with a basilisk in the sewers.

He opens one eye and looks at the nearest barmaid.

"And that was only one of the many adventures in which I nearly met my death!"

In a dockside warehouse in Cassomir, an Andoren fighter looks up from where he was about to charge a huecuva. My ears are burning...Max must be telling the basilisk story again.

I loved the Baron Munchausen shout-out, though.

"Well, Pathfinders," the excitable halfing announces to the assembled once again, "it seems there is a wedding in Absalom between dear Michellia Blakros and former Hellknight Damian Kastner. I need not remind you all what good friends the Pathfinders and the Blakroses are and as such Ambrus Valsin has asked me to send several agents down to attend the wedding. If you are interested, come see me about travel arrangements."

I'm running 04-09 The Blakros Matrimony (3-7). If you are interested, head over to the Discussion. The Gameplay thread is open already as well. I'll get moving once I have at least four people interested.

"Eh hem!" Trotter announces to get everyone's attention. "I need a few agents-some greener agents will do just fine-to head down to Qadira. It seems the infamous Citadel of Flame has been rediscovered." Trotter walks over and plucks a book from the shelf, opening it to the index and scanning for a moment before cracking the book open and finding the passage he was searching for.

"The Citadel of Flame in Qadira's Meraz Desert was presumably wiped out decades ago after Sarenrae dervishes led a crusade to end it. An enormous sandstorm swallowed both the citadel and the army attacking it, burying both beneath hundreds of feet of sand." He closes the book with a snap.

"Come and see me if you'd like more information and I will send you on your way."

I'm running 01-39 The Citadel of Flame (1-5) if anyone is interested. Tektite is bringing his warpriest I believe and he could use some assistance.

I wouldn't mind giving it a try. I have a Warpriest as well I'd like to be able to actually play for the first time.