World's Most Interesting First Steps (002) [PFS Standard] (Inactive)

Game Master Great Green God

After a long night in the company of a very interesting man and several pitchers of wine at the Flaxseed the characters find themselves 'escorted' by Lodge ruffians to the office of Ambrus Valsin, the venture-captain in charge of daily operations in and around the Grand Lodge. The imposing chamberlain greets them--curtly, and motions for them to sit in a cluster of rather severe straight-back chairs. He strides back and forth before them once before diving in.

“All right, prospective pathfinders! Listen up!" The venture-captain takes a moment to make sure he has everyone's attention. "I know you recruits are eager to make names for yourselves in the organization, but hanging out all night in taverns isn't going to help either of us. It's sloppy and suggestive of a decadent borderline depraved mind! So before you sully the name of Pathfinder we need to make sure you are all up to snuff! I have a number of small assignments for you--things I could have any lodge page attend to were they not on retreat. It would be best for your prospective career futures if you could finish them before the day’s end...."

“Every day we get some doe-eyed hopeful or some sniveling bootlicker willing to do anything to join up with the Pathfinders. Some of them are good kids, but not all of them have the salt to make it in the Society. It’s rough out there, and I’m not just talking about the ruins, tombs, and wilderness Pathfinders find themselves in on missions. We’ve got people who look down their noses at us, folks who think we squander our time, and agents who want to take everything we have collected for their own selfish needs." He looks pointedly at each member of the party.

"This wealth of knowledge and these items of lore make us the most powerful organization on the planet. That said, since we are widespread, it’s difficult for that power to light on anything for too long. For every friend of the Society, there are two enemies."

“Your first mission, to test your mettle and loyalties, sends you to meet a few people important to the Society living here in Absalom. These are other venture-captains or close allies of our organization, so--let me be clear--you follow their orders as you would mine. Understood?" He waits for a positive reply, given in a sufficiently enthusiastic manner.

"I’ve prepared a list of things I want you to do." He snatches a large, official envelope off his desk. "They’re not arranged in any particular order of importance, but I want them all completed as quickly as possible. Only report to me once you complete them all. Not a moment before.... Included in the envelope is the list, complete with the name of your contact, and directions to the meeting location.”

"TEN-SHUN! ...Questions?"

Note there is a link to the 'list' at the top of the thread, and at the end of the The World's Most Interesting GM's tagline--just click on 'First Steps'. Both links lead to the same place. There isn't much there now but all the maps and other hands will eventually be revealed there.

We'll take a day for some light RP. Take this time for introductions (as your characters are all pretty new), to respond to the Venture-Captain, to figure out how you want proceed (reference the handouts), whether or not you want to hit the morning markets, that sort of thing.

As this is a sort of time challenge (the party has until dusk to complete their list of errands), and if we were doing this in person it would likewise be a time challenge, I am looking to finish on or before July 1 (8 weeks). That is generally the length of time used for online conventions and specials here on the messageboards. So July 1 (EST), set your clocks!

Also, for those who don't know yet, I am not a pushy GM. I hate botting people. I'll do it at need but I have enough people to play. I don't put your character in front of the next door they have to kick down and I certainly don't kick it down for them. That's called: writing a novel. We're here to game. Your character can do as they like (or not) with in the game world, but as in real-life there are consequences for actions and inactions. Unlike real life there is no real danger here.... or is there? ;)

A large burly ulfen man wearing a chain shirt and carrying a battle axe in his hands with a shield slung over his shoulder saunters into the meeting room spilling a bit of mead from a tankard along the way. He ignores the mess he made and looks for a comfortable chair to endure the mission prattling. He says little when the VC begins his speech, but does laugh some when the VC says "sniveling bootlicker" as the ulfen believes that remark is for one of the others in attendance and not himself.

After the VC finishes his admonishment of the others, and not of him, Einarr asks "Seeing as this is my first time in southern lands, much less in this city, can we get a map of the place so we don't get lost while doing your errands...?" He then takes a long pull from his tankard.

Doughlas follows behind and avoids the spilt drink. He has an average build with dark hair with streaks of gray. He is in brown robes and can only assume a priest with having a mace in his belt. You then catch a dirty shovel strapped to his backpack.

"I've done some walking around the city but don't really have the layout committed to memory. A map would be helpful."

By the blue tone to his skin and general proportions you recognize this man as a samsaran, a race of humanoids that does not adhere to the typical linear progression of life to death to afterlife, but are caught up in a continual cycle of reincarnation.

He faith seems youthful enough and his hair dark, but the slowness at which he rises from his seat and the shuffling of his gait gives the appearance of an ancient frame. He wears scale armor which has been covered in a green enamel giving it the color of jade, as has the holy symbol around his neck, a crescent into which is inlaid a series of moons in progressive phases. He carries a longspear with feathers dyed a sunset orange, but you doubt he has the strength to use it effectively. If he'd ever used in before it seems as though it finds more use propping him up today.

One hand grasps the spear while another reaches down towards the table. That hand strokes a strange hare. This rabbit floats inches off the table, his white fur is outlined in a blue nimbus as points on its body glow like stars that seem to revolve around a crescent on his hind quarters as he moves.

He was no new recruit. He had been on one mission before, but he'd imagined that like so many large organizations, paperwork flowed slowly to the necessary places and he's assumed it would do no good to argue otherwise.

"I am Ramachandra. I have seen a hundred battles across a dozen lifetimes. All that conflict throughout the age has taken its toll even on this body. Though I can no longer serve The Prince of the Moon as one of his inquisitors, my mind has never been more in phase with the cycles of the heavens. Its gates are open to me. Worry not that I am a bit weaker, a bit slower, and a touch more frail than most. I will be no burden to you."

"This is Shashi, my companion," he notes, motioning to the rabbit. "He is a gift to me from the rulers of the heavens."

Esper is an exotic looking woman dressed in fine scholar's robes and elaborate scarves. Though her skin tone is quite pale, her features and attire clearly mark her as Kelishite. Her elaborate feathered earrings sway as she looks around, taking in her surroundings with golden eyes.

She follows the lodge ruffians with a gentle smile. "No need to be forceful, boys."

And takes in the sight of her companions with a curious gaze. At the sight of Venture-Captain Valsin, she inclines her head respectfully. "An honour to see you again, sir."

At his query, Esper lets out a "Yes, sir."

Esper takes the list of tasks and gives them a quick read.

Knowledge local: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
Knowledge nobility: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

As the samsaran introduces himself, Esper inclines her head. "Greetings Ramachandra. Greetings, Shiashi." With an interested smile at the rabbit she adds, "My, aren't you beautiful."

Looking at Ramachandra and the others she remarks, "I am Esper Zevral. It is a pleasure to meet you. Although not a capable combatant, I believe my skills will be of some use to us in our missions. Words are my weapon of choice. I can also tend to our wounded, and can offer mental protections to those who may accept my aid."

With a look at the drunken Ulfen, she adds, "What about you, sir? You look like a fierce warrior. Might you allow me to offer a strong man, such as yourself, my blessing?"

Esper will implant a trick on you, if you'll allow it.

Eyeing the exotic female Einarr strides up and says "Hey there Lady Zevral... I just noticed you are unaccompanied... tis dangerous times about... I wouldn't mind accompanying you. The names Einarr, son of Bjorn. I'll take any blessing you dole out" Einarr says and winks at her.

"How generous of you, Master Einarr, son of Bjorn," Esper remarks with an enigmatic smile. "The honour is mine."

She turns to him, places her hands upon his shoulders and looks him in the eyes.

"Look deep into my eyes, Einarr. Lose yourself in their depths. You're in a pool of golden light. Yes? This light will protect you. Let it in..." Esper's eyes are hypnotic, and Einarr feels a gentle, warm feeling of comfort settling over him.

"...In!" She snaps her fingers, and removes her hands from his shoulders. "You have my blessing."

"You're welcome." she adds with a wink.

Esper is implanting a psychosomatic surge trick on Einarr, and using her split trick feat to implant it in herself as well. The next time either Einarr or Esper takes damage, Esper can choose to trigger this trick. Triggering the trick causes whichever of us was hurt to gain 1d8+1 temporary hp for 1 hour (or until discharged). If the damage that triggered this trick would cause that person to be reduced to 0 hp or lower they instead gain 2d8+1 temporary hp. Once this trick is triggered it is no longer implanted in either of them.

"My name is Doughlas if names are to be given," says Doughlas after the unsettling exchange.

After the VC finishes his admonishment of the others, and not of him, Einarr asks "Seeing as this is my first time in southern lands, much less in this city, can we get a map of the place so we don't get lost while doing your errands...?" He then takes a long pull from his tankard.

"They're not my errands lad. They're the Society's"

The directions included with your notes (see above) and your handouts (see the link) should see you to your destinations.

By the blue tone to his skin and general proportions you recognize this man....

He's a he! I was going to put Ramachandra down as "Lawful Good" for gender--meaning that it rarely mattered. ;)

"And in all that time you never thought of getting a hair cut? You might have at least grown a beard." he says with a sideways scowl at Einarr.

And takes in the sight of her companions with a curious gaze. At the sight of Venture-Captain Valsin, she inclines her head respectfully. "An honour to see you again, sir."

The venture-captain nods gravely.

At his query, Esper lets out a "Yes, sir."

"I SAID UNDERSTOOD!" Valsin roars.

"My name is Doughlas if names are to be given," says Doughlas after the unsettling exchange.

"Any questions about your mission?" Valsin says a bit of color rising on his face.

After a little cowering in the seat. "We will look at the handouts immediately and be on our way, sir."

Einarr tips his tankard back and begins finishing it off while holding his free hand out pointing as if to say to wait until he finishes his drink. After his last long pull he places the tankard on the table muttering "... i've no idea where the kitchen is..." bows to the VC and starts walking out the door. "We best be getting on with it then."

A slight half-elf glides into the room almost unnoticed. With a quick smile he finds a seat slightly out of the way and he folds his legs up under him while he sits. The amused smile remains on his face during Valsin's entire monologue and rant till at the end, Tathane jumps out of his seat and salutes the venture-captain, again with a smile. "Yes sir! Captain sir! We are Pathfinders and we'll find the path to get these errands done. And completed. And we'll make it look good. I mean, look at me, how can we do anything but make it look good?" He glances at the attractive Kelishite and winks.

Without a pause he bounds over to the burly ulfen and extends a hand. "I'm Tathane. Tathane Halfbarrel." He turns to the Samsaran as if going to embrace him then reconsiders and extends a hand to him as well. Finally he turns to Doughlas and Einarr and bows. "Pleased to meet alls of you."

Without waiting for a reply he hops to the door with an eager smile. "Ok. Let's go." He holds up a single gold coin. "Hey Einarr, is this yours?"

The coin isn't Einarr's, Tathane's just playing with him.

’friggan half bloods.....’ Einarr mutters to himself...

Esper smirks back at Talthane, with a twinkle of amusement in her eyes.

The gnome smiles broadly as she greets the others. She has a starknife sling across her small back, and a holy symbol of Desna strung around her neck. She bounced from foot to foot, excited about yet another mission. ”Hey everyone, I’m Perrine! So good to be helping out the Society yet again. It’s so exciting. And we have several different tasks to do...want to do them in alphabetical order? Or closest distance to furthest? Or furthest to closest? So many choices!”

"Hello Perrine, I was thinking closest to furthest."

Ramachandra calmly observed the Venture-Captain's bluster, "with all his shouting, you'd think he was the one who had something to prove.

All things will happen as they should, pick whatever order you like, he offers the other Pathfinders.

I've played this several times before. If someone hasn't, I'll defer to them.

"Hi Perrine!" Tathane offers an exuberant greeting. "Closest seems best. But which one is that? It looks like the docks or Dralneen's."

"As long as the Paracountess hasn't borrowed a statue, that retrieval should be simple enough."

"My vote is whichever is closest to a tavern full of mead and wenches. We should start there." then he hides his money pouch away from the one called Tathane...

"Let us begin with the Paracountess. I've always desired to meet with her and, as Tathane pointed out, it is quite close."

Without much delay party arrives at the Paracountess's magnificent three-story gothic townhouse set amid a neighborhood of many such opulent estates. After traversing the rather intimidating tree-lined grounds, with its myriad of servants, its hedge maze, gardens, nude statuary and fountains, they arrive at the broad front porch with its ebon-lacquered double doors wrought with gleaming silver fixtures. A prickly brass ball* hanging from a chain seems to serve as the door's chime.

City map updated.

* Not really dangerous at all, it just looks like the business end of a flail.

[b]”Well, she should be expecting us. Let’s announce ourselves all proper like,”[/gnome says as she grabs ahold of the door chime and strikes it gently.

Einarr snickers a bit as he watches the gnome get on her tippy toes to grab the door chime brass ball. "Dont be gentle with that there thing... its made to be hit hard."

Intrigued with the door chime, Doughlas wonders what one has to do to afford such extravagances.

Tathane walks up behind Perrine. He leans back and looks at the ostentatious home and then again at the flail-like door chime. "Well, I guess this is the Paracountess's home. Looks like she's just asking for us to pull her chain."

The door flies open revealing a tall, broad-shouldered, red-faced man. "ARE YOU INSANE!? WHAT IN THE NAMES OF ALL NINE CIRCLES ARE YOU DOING!? This-" he shows the party with an overabundance of dignity, "-is a door chime. You 'pull' it not 'strike' it. The door is lacquered."

He turns to buff the door with his handkerchief, ignoring the party.

After repeatedly steaming the area with his breath, and then buffing, he tucks his hanky away, and turns to address the party again.

"What are you doing at the front door? Servants enter at the rear. And gardeners-" he says looking at Doughlas's shovel, "-don't, except the kitchen area once they have removed their boots."

He sniffs the air for a moment and adds: "And neither do drunks."

"must be talking to you" Einarr says under his breath to the half elf.

Doughlas replies curtly, "We apologize about the chime. We are here on Pathfinder Society business. We are here to retrieve an item that the Paracountess borrowed. Once we have the item, we will leave post-haste."

diplomacy: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

"Ahh. You should have said. Still Pathfinders are not exempt from the rules governing common hygiene." The man clears his throat and looks meaningfully down at the sorcerer's boots and everyone's attire from last night. Then he moves to close the door.

'wait... what... I bathed last week...' Einarr says quietly then steps aside allowing the others to enter first and he enter last.

"Wait, just a sec," Tathane pipes up with a cheerful voice to get the man to stop closing the door. At the same time he wedges his dagger into the space near the door hinge to try to keep it from shutting.

Disable Device: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20 Disable Device to disable him closing the door.

'wait... what... I bathed last week...'

Yes, but civilized people use a ton of perfume on off weeks.

"You've broken the front door." the man's says incredulously. "Now I shall have to summon the guards and the hounds."

You know, I've been in games of the RPG Paranoia that saw 150% casualties before the party left the briefing room, this seems to be vearing dangerously close halcyon days of old. You folks aren't commie mutant traitors are you? You can tell me. I'm your friend. ;)

”Now hold on everyone. I’m sorry. I thought that was a striker. That’s my fault...but we are still here to foster good relationships with the Paracountess. Let us gather the item, and we will leave peacefully. I might even be able to talk the ones with dirty boots into leaving them at the door,” she smiled sweetly.

”Boys, please take the muddy shoes off before we enter. I’m sure that will smooth everything over!”

Diplomacy 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

"Pardon me, sir." Esper says sweetly, darting up to the front of the group. "You'll have to excuse my compatriots. But, surely you can make an exception, just this once?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

"It's terribly important we see the Paracountess immediately. If it were not so urgent, I would have ensured we took the proper time to prepare."

Bluff: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28

"Forgive my inexperienced colleagues. They are new recruits and I think they have not yet been trained in basic etiquette and acting as functionaries in a civil society. I am sure we can make arrangements with the Society for you to receive recompense for any damages done to the Paracoutess' door.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7 As usual, my dice betray me whenever I try to make a social skill check.

"wow... seems Esper has the silver tongue..." Einarr says in a hushed voice bumping Tathane with his elbow.

After some instruction in common courtesy, and host/visitor expectations, and the arrival of the manor's handyman to fix the door the doorman finally allows you to enter (via the servants' entrance).

Led through well-appointed sitting rooms, ballrooms, and a grand stairway granting a view of an elaborate study, the party finally arrive on the third floor of the baroque house, at the door of what appears to be a study.

Knocking upon the door and announcing his presence, the servant opens the darkly stained wooden door. A large intricate carpet dominates the marble floor in this sitting room. A chaise sits along the north wall and a desk spans the southeast corner, its chair positioned with its back to the southwest corner of the room. Three comfortable chairs are positioned around a small, low circular table.

Sitting behind the desk is a darkly beautiful woman in a red and black silk nightgown negligee under a short open robe--the Paracountess Zarta Dralneen. She looks up with a wry smile as the group enters waving them to the seats while she apparently finishes some paperwork.

"Campbellesque, you are dismissed. Close the door behind you and attend to your other tasks.” The paracountess rises and turns her attention to the group, inspecting them up and down. “It’s always so incredibly adorable when I see a fresh-faced batch of Pathfinders. I mean, look at you scrumptious little teacakes. I could eat each and every one of you up in one bite. Well, maybe not you.” Zarta says eyeing Einarr. “I assume this isn’t a pleasure visit since most of you are terribly overdressed for that manner of occasion, so that must mean you are here for that trinket Valsin has been nagging me about. Seems I can’t get that man around these parts anymore,” she gestures, sliding her hand down her body and widening the gesture to sweep out and across the room as if her home were a secondary thought. “On the good side, he always sends me all the precious new recruits. If you are good boys and girls I might have uses for you in the future." Her gaze lingers on Einarr again.

Then she catches Ramachandra's eye. “Many think we in Cheliax serve and worship devils, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, we use the creatures for their power. They serve us and we sculpt their power in our own interests. The world must come to terms with the order of things. People need to know their place and operate accordingly. It is the only way to make order from this world. Too many people stretch too far beyond their station, making waves and eroding the society. Those of a chaotic bent must be broken, made pliable, and ultimately... to serve... our desires....” Her eyes lock on Einarr again. For the moment she speaks as if he is the only party member in the room with her.

Map updated.

Perrine clears her throat, both reminding the Paracountess that she was in the room and trying to break the uncomfortableness in the atmosphere. ”Um, about that item, ma’am../“

Content to let the others ask for the item Einarr smiles back the Paracountess when she speaks to him. Once her speech is over Einarr bumps Tathane again with his elbow saying in a low whisper "I think she likes me..."

awesome room/setting picture
Doughlas is hoping Perrine can get the Paracountess back on track. Her talk of controlling devils and dominating things is making him nervous. Then recalls the tone of her last sentence focused on Einarr and it reminded him of how Esper was talking to him in the Lodge!

perception: 1d20 ⇒ 17

Esper inclines her head slightly in respect to the Paracountess.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Paracountess. We are indeed here for the object. While I'm sure you're an excellent hostess, I'm afraid we don't have the time for such enjoyment at the moment."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24

Ramachandra could not let the comments of the Paracountess go unchallenged. The purpose of his current incarnation was to pronounce judgement on the unrepentant.

"So you admit that you do not bow down to devils out of fear or devotion but choose to bind yourself to them willingly through compacts. Thus you admit to being not a victim of evil, but a willing participant and perpetrator."

"Wrath, avarice, pride, I could go on... It is not just the House of Thrune that is thrice-damned. Your sins condemn you all."

After letting his pronouncement sink in for a moment, he continues.

"But we are not here to debate matters of eschatology, Lady Dralneen. We are here on a more worldly mission."

Tathane's eyes almost pop out of his head at Dralneen. She's, well, more than attractive. And apparently not shy about it. As she and Ramachandra exchange pleasantries Tathane takes a moment to look around the room. Maybe the item they are looking for is just resting in plain site and just waiting for someone to liberate it.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

Esper inclines her head slightly in respect to the Paracountess.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Paracountess. We are indeed here for the object. While I'm sure you're an excellent hostess, I'm afraid we don't have the time for such enjoyment at the moment."

"Perhaps when you are done then? I feel like we could have a great deal of fun together." the paracountess says brushing past Einarr, one of her delicate hands tracing the contours of his chain shirt, to stand before Esper. She leaves an intoxicating peach-scent in her wake.

Esper To your question: Yes.

"So you admit that you do not bow down to devils out of fear or devotion but choose to bind yourself to them willingly through compacts. Thus you admit to being not a victim of evil, but a willing participant and perpetrator."

"Second, as influential as you are, do you consider yourself as mighty as Asmodeus himself? Who do you think lesser devils serve, you or him?"

"Wrath, avarice, pride, I could go on... It is not just the House of Thrune that is thrice-damned. Your sins condemn you all."

After letting his pronouncement sink in for a moment, he continues.

"But we are not here to debate matters of eschatology, Lady Dralneen. We are here on a more worldly mission."

Never taking her eyes off of Esper, Zarta says: "My dear, how do you stand the pall of such sanctimony. Your friend seems so stuck in the mud that he might as well still be in in his rental grave."

She turns to Ramachandra a too-pleasant expression upon her face. "Would it interest you to know that the item you have been sent to retrieve for sweet Ambrus has its origins in that place you show such disdain? Hmm? To speak of worldliness and yet be so naïve--and a Samsaran no less." She laughs, and it sounds like the chiming of delicate bells. But for whom do they toll?

"It is almost adorable."

Tathane notes the sheer sumptuousness of his surroundings--a hedonist's delight.

Suddenly there's a crash from behind the ornate double doors to the west. It is as if someone toppled over an end table. More sounds are emerge. It sounds like someone is manhandling the furniture in there.