Lady Ophelia's page

So there's an apology to be had. Along with chronicle sheets:

I apologize if this PbP was not up to anyone's standards of play. The short version is that while life was happening with deaths and deep emotional traumas, at the same time, my workload went from normal to tripled in three months. Today is the first time I am even looking at my desk in two weeks. So needless to say, this was not my best run at all.

Do not worry, I will be not be PbP any time in the near future due to my increased workload leaving me mindless at the end of most days, so if you wish to leave negative criticism I understand and it's fine.

So attached is the link to the chronicle sheets: Link

They aren't labeled as I have only a few more minutes left before I go back out to work in the field. I trust you won't cheat. But if you have more specific needs, please PM me and I'll get them worked on this weekend.

Thank you all for playing and being patient. I've learned a lot during this process and I hope you had some fun!

The doors seemed locked, but upon further inspection they are unlocked and untrapped. As if someone has already been there before you. Upon opening the doors, there is a shallow reflecting pool is set into the tile floor, flanked by plush divans. Beyond two marble supporting columns, a heavy curtain separates the sitting room from the bedroom. A large map of Absalom hangs on the south wall, riddled with pins and crossed with colorful thread.

There are bookshelves around the room, and one that has looked to have been already opened, revealing a small chamber. In the small chamber mounted against the wall, is an object that has been covered with a dark red drape. To the left of the small room, there looks like what remained of where a veiled head covering had been, which now lies on the floor.

The entire room looks ransacked, and yet there is no one in the room. As you scan the room, waiting for someone to pop out, there is no one there.

I might not have your chronicle sheet till tomorrow afternoon, I am working out of office with no printer right now, but I plan on finishing up the story tonight so you won't miss anything.

Jairo smiles at Derezone's answer.

I knew you bold ones were also smart. Only smart and bold people would come this far. Your wish is correct, and you are free to pass. A word of caution, before I leave you, whatever happened to my mistress, has consumed her. And she will not rest until her mission whatever it is, is completed. It would be best not to cross her path, as doom comes to those who mess with the vengeful on a mission.

Jairo says this as he steps to the side revealing the double doors behind him and giving a gesture to allow the party to pass as he begins to fade away.

Good luck bold ones, may the light show favor upon you.

Jairo smiles at the answer Elay gives his answer.

I am very sorry but that is not the password i seek. However there is no denial that revenge has been on the mind of my master. Says Jairo introspectively.

Like many mortals, she is consumed by a mad quest, her every spare thought given to plotting the downfall of a group called the Pathfinder Society. I honestly find her a bit of a bore, but I do wonder how that group wronged her to provoke such wrath.”

Hey everyone,

Is there someone with the images of the last two maps. I have been trying everything for two days to get them onto a image, and I can't seem to get anything updated. ARGH.

I don't know what they have been doing with the PDF's as of late, but they are making them a pain to transpose to another visual map maker. I even tried paint and it's locked up tight.

Ah, the mirror beyond me you seek. Jairo says looking at all of you. Well you see, only those who know the password are allowed past my doors. But I will tell you what dear bold ones: if you can tell me what the password is, I will let you pass to gain what you seek.

Since you have been respectful, I'll give you a hint. Jairo smiles looking at all of you while he speaks next. “Consider this, what is a password? It can be more than a simple physical key, it can be a spoken declaration of belonging or devotion to a cause. What could be that important to Pasha Muhlia al’Jakri?

Jairo looks at Fen as he rephrased his statement. And tilted his head looking rather confused.

I did mention that my lady is not here. He says more with a confused look on his face. I do not know if she will return let alone when. As for the nature of her crimes, that's not really my concern as she is my master and I just follow her commands. I am sorry that I cannot be more of a help. Is there anything else I can help you with?

Jairo looks at the assembled party as Elay clears his throat. It seems that he take a rather lengthy time to answer. As if he is appraising each person for their own faults and follies.

Yes my apologies.. He says after breaking the long awkward silence. I sometimes drift in and out of my own mind. Pondering the many ideas and wonders of the world of the life. He says looking at all of you again.

My name is Jairo. I am the protector of my Mistress's lair. I appreciate your compliments of the design of the room pointy-eared one. She designed it herself and it is quite luxurious if I do say so myself. She is away for a little while attending to other business, but I am sure she will return eventually. What business do you have bold ones with my mistress the Veiled lady? Hopefully it is not of a beastly nature, as I do not wish to fight you. Jairo says looking at Charging and then points to Elay.

That book you were looking at? “The Many Tales of a Lovelorn Wizard.” Is actually quite a good book. I cannot let you borrow it, but as long as you stay here, you may read it in this room.

Map coming soon. Getting it up in Google Docs now.

Sorry all of you who have been waiting. Con was rough, and then the holiday got even more insane with work and balancing everything else. Apologies.

I should have something posted in the next hour or so, and since this week I will be at the cottage every day except Wed, expect postings.

Huzzah!

So minor pause this weekend as Charging, Nefreet and I are all at Con this weekend. We will resume on Monday. :)

Come in! If it pleases you. Says Jairo from the other side of the door.

This large room includes many of the trappings of a noble household: a table laid with fancy place settings, a vanity and wardrobe that would be at home in a lady’s boudoir, oversized oil paintings of stuffy nobles, a grand staircase and balcony, and even a chandelier suspended from the ceiling. There is a grand poitrait of two men standing in noble’s clothing surrounded with books and daggers.

Why hello bold people. Says the man at the top of the balcony. Or at least he looked like a man. He had blue skin, long black hair and looked almost Kellish in nature and stature had his skin not been blue. He standing with his hands on the railings of the balcony looking rather amused with the people below him.

I am very sorry to say, that if you are looking for the other gnolls, they have already escaped. Who knows now where they have gone? He said. But what can I do for you?

With Fen's skelleton key, you easily open the locks to the pens and release the slaves. Korshad ushers them out bowing ever so slightly to all of you. The young halfling woman looks at you all and bows. Giving Fen a sash with a Bellflower symbol on it. She nods at him before departing.

With that the party moves to the other side of the central dais room. There is a door there, and behind it you hear a smooth and jovial voice.

Come in, you bold people. The door is unlocked. Let me look upon the face of the ones who wish to challenge me.

I'll keep posting for the next few days, though I'm playing Elay at a Convention on Friday, so I'm not sure (actually I'm pretty sure I can't) whether I can continue to post by that point or afterwards.

** spoiler omitted **

Ah shoot, you didn't tell me that! Now I have to make you a new sheet. Or I can hand write it in on Friday since we're playing together. Just remind me.

As Steamrolling, there is one more obstacle and it's not a combat. So I'll be adding that bit tomorrow so you at least all can get that part of the adventure.

Additional notes from previous posts that I did not cover.

Also concerning the other gnoll who surrendered, if anyone else had any other issues, he gets tied up and gaged and left there till you guys are done.

"Korshad, do you stand with us? No harm will come to you if not, at least from us, and another sword is always useful. But decide quickly, we haven't much time." Derezone says offering a hand to Korshad. He is terrified at first and then jumps again at Charging’s commanding voice, "Make your decision quickly. Join us or stay out of the way. What lies behind these gates?"

“There is only me, my team and then the Mistress’ room. She has a guardian to protect who knows that. But he is a nice and intelligent man named Jairo.” Korshad says as he trembles, but rises. I have no desire to raise arms against you, if anything, I will leave this place and never say anything about any of you, if you let me and my people leave unharmed. The mistress’s room is on the right once you go through the portcullis.”

Charging and the group leaves Korhsad in peace, as Elay begins to walk around the room to scry past the gate, only to realize that his other party members are running through the room to the next room.
A stone dais painted with a hyena-like face occupies the center of this round chamber. A wide, eight-foot-high ledge runs around the perimeter of the room with a crude ladder to the east connecting the floor and elevated area. To the south, an iron portcullis hangs over the entrance to the caves. Several shallow caves with wooden gates and floors covered in straw open into this room from the north. A door to the east and a door with a barred grille to the west lead to other parts of the stronghold. A shattered wooden box and several dozen scraps of sodden, torn paper lie scattered across the floor.

Korshad, moves to the left as the party moves to the center of the room. I do not have the keys to the Pen, only the one who ran away had the keys. Can any of you please help me open them?

So GM update:

We should be good to go in about an hour as I am going to be writing out the next three parts of the adventure based on your posts. I will then be checking in after my Jedi Calisthenics class (Yoga) this evening to make sure we’re good. We are scheduled to finish next Tuesday which is a little over my original plans, but hey, life happens.

If you need to bow out at this point, please PM me and I can get you a chronicle sheet via email. You are of course welcome to continue to write in until we complete the scenario, so that way you have to miss the rest of the story. I will for sure be completing the scenario by Dec 1st for those of you who have other things to be doing. So just keeping everyone abreast of my plans.

So I don't get that your party wants "to Explore... But not really explore", when RPing is 1/2 of the "Explore" motto..

Also, I would like to mention, that unfortunately, almost all of Pathfinder Scenarios fall under one of the categories that your group doesn't want. So you may want to consider home brewing or modifying some scenarios. (Which you can do if you aren't following Society rules to the letter for legality sake.)

The above being said here are a few good options:

The Veteran's Vault -- In Riddleport, Varisia and a good old fashioned dungeon with MONSTERS.

The Destiny of the Sands Series is also a great trilogy that meets the Explore and Monsters without dungeons. But it does require RPing with NPC's so be advised.

Some one messaged Citadel of Flame -- Story falls flat, but that dungeon is one your group will talk about for ages.

Among the Dead -- Zyphans, Taldor, Dungeon full of nasty fun stuff.

Crypt of the Everflame -- Also an epic dungeon crawl, but it's a module, so expect to spend some time on that. (It also is the beginning of a three module series, that you can take your party through and make it something they will totally never forget. The other two episodes are Masks of a Living God and City of Golden Death.)

Some one also mentioned Hall of the Flesh Eaters. That's a great one for Level 7th -- not 2nds.

Segang Expedition is good also an Explore, Explore and Explore. But the ending falls incredibly flat. So you may you have home-brew some stuff.

Intros 3 is also an excellent adventure -- that takes you "outside of Absalom" but you stay on the isle of Kortos so it's a bit of a fair compromise. But it also isn't currently Society Legal. So be advised.

Best of luck!

The gnoll continues to cower... I will tell you what you want, just don't crush me. I was just employed by the veil lady to look out for the mirror.

Korshad also hides behind a few rocks. He didn't look terrified so much as he just wasn't sure what to do and who to back in the fight.

Charging smashes through the gnoll in front of him crushing his chest and stopping his heart. While Derizone is unable to trip the other gnoll, and runs into the open portcullis into the rest of the building. Elay attempts to hit the other gnoll with the hand axe. But upon seeing Crushing Bear kill his ally. He surrenders and cowers.

Combat is over for now unless people wish to continue.

Fen takes his whip and attempts to attack again, only to narrowly miss! Charging on the other hand, furious strikes the gnoll he is contending with, causing the gnoll to spit out blood, but he does not fall. Elay grabs the handaxe and waits for the gnoll who was distracted by movement to strike.

I am waiting on Derizone. And yes he is inspiring while striking. Which has been taken into account. More later!

I know!

Apologies for the delay, we've had a few incidents happen here in the home region that has required me to have to do some mental health crisis interventions which ate up my time.

I shall be posting every day for the rest of this week and next. We are still pretty much almost done so long as you guys hit something!

Charging attempts to smash his earthbreaker, only to miss the gnoll in front of him. Elay’s wave of fire quickly put down the dogs as they fell into flames. Elay looks around to see clubs and an axe, but no daggers on the gnolls. Fen cracks his whip and attempts to attack the gnoll in front of him and succeeds. Derizone does the same and is able to trip the gnoll falling prone.

The gnoll between Elay and Charging growls rather nastily and begins to swing his greatclub some more. While another comes out of the flames of the dogs to attack Elay. The gnoll on the ground gets quickly back up and runs under the gate.

Updated Map

Fen flicks his wand with ease, stunning the gnolls nearest to the party sending them running away from the party. (Derezone gets an attack of opportunity). Elay gets his wave of ice off and hitting the gnoll and knocking him off guard. Charging bear charges the nearest gnoll to him and crushes his neck in the same manner of the previous gnoll who opposed him.

But as the portcullis rises on both sides, Korshad moves back and the gnoll dogs and gnolls take their attacks.

The dogs stand at the ready, as the gnolls attack and defend the grounds.

Updated Map

About to post in about 20 mins (completing formatting). Apologies for the delay, everytime this weekend I tried to stop and post, the Paizo site kept freezing on me and deleted my posts.

*scratches head in puzzlement*

So... Is California being classified as "Southwest"?

I'm totally aware of the social construction of "geography". It's one of my focus areas as a Social Science undergrad.

But living in Northern California and saying I'm in the Southwest Region makes me giggle.

I was thinking exactly that as well. Oh well, it's no big deal.

Congrats to all the peeps. :)

Apologies, I meant to push initiative. The Gnolls moved into their current position, which took many of their turns. So I am waiting on posts from Fen, and Derezone.

So just as an FYI: So that everyone knows, Elay and Charging get their surprise rounds. But the element of surprise is ruined after that. But for the sake of fairness, the gnolls are flat-footed and you are not.

Charging bear quickly charges in on the nearest lieutenant. His earthbreaker goes smashing into the neckbone and causes the gnoll to fall over and suffocate itself to death.

At that the gnolls all howl and begin to move towards the party, weapons out. The dogs stand in a ready mode to strike any member on

Map

Almost... Need access to place the crew, and then it's good.

Free re-roll for Scott for helping out.

Almost ready. Sorry, Google is being a pain the side

Oh now that's a bummer. Now you're all going to have to wait till tomorrow for combat cause I am at work and have meetings all night.

I will roll all things and setup. Expect a combat post in the morning.

At this point I am kind of waiting on you guys to decided whether you fight or not. For those of you whom have GMed this, I am a bit in uncharted territory, so I am really waiting on your actions.

Fight, don't fight, it's fine to me. But I've posted what the room looks like and more additional information. So go with your character's gut. :)

The party looks around them as Vangur sternly speaks. Including the guards at the top, it looks like about 5-6 armed gnolls and two armed dogs, and a few human slaves who definitely look like they are prepared to fight.

Korshad looks incredibly nervous at the entire party. As if he knew something but was too afraid to speak. He took the stance of running if a fight broke out, yet hoping that the party will comply.

As the remaining slaves are being dragged away into the doorway in the East, Korshad looks rather intimidated by the party.

Apologies, but it is our way. Korshad says rather apprehensively.

You put weapons in chest. Says Vangur sternly. Or else you sleep outside and your things stay here in the fort. We no trust that you will slit our throats no better than you trust us either. You surrender weapons, we not have to worry.

Feel free to RP the rest of the day in your future posts. I will respond via time loops accordingly.

"Jy het dit gemis! Hoof uiteindelik hardloop die bedekte dame af! Ons gaan vier vanaand met haar beste wyn!"

Linguistics Check is also available. Please roll that in your post

You hear this as gnolls greet all of you at the gate the following morning. A wall of ochre bricks bristles at its base with sharp stakes, barring entrance to a deep round hollow in the red rocky cliff. The wall curves at a small watchtower with a leather tent roof. Beyond the wall, the cliff rises over a hundred feet, its lower reaches dotted with shallow caves. The masonry is rather thick, and an iron portcullis over the cave entrance is attached to a winch by a thick rope.

As the party moves into the base, A stone dais painted with a hyena-like face occupies the center of this round chamber. A wide, eight-foot-high ledge runs around the perimeter of the room with a crude ladder to the east connecting the floor and elevated area. To the south, an iron portcullis hangs over the entrance to the caves. Several shallow caves with wooden gates and floors covered in straw open into this room from the north. A door to the east and a door with a barred grille to the west lead to other parts of the stronghold. A shattered wooden box and several dozen scraps of sodden, torn paper lie scattered across the floor. Guarded by two hound dogs that look more like hyenas than they do dogs.

Then, you are are immediately greeted by a Kellish man who wore slaves clothing and a collar. He bows before he greets all of you. Greetings! My name is Korshad Satevis, and I am the overseer for our masters here at Fort Stonejaws. My master is currently away for a little while, so the head of the Gnolls will be in charge of the transactions and I will present your choices for your clientele tomorrow morning. Of course, I must ask for your safety as well as our own, that you please place your weapons into this box. Korshad points to a small chest that has been strategically placed next to your goods in the center of the fort. "Of course they will be returned to you tomorrow after all transactions are completed.

At the yelling of Charging Bear, the gnolls look up and see the little Halfling look innocently at the ground before her. Almost as if she was able to hide her true motivations just in time.

Elay asks to the gnolls, "I have travelled the Inner Sea and beyond as a scribe. I have seen many cultures. Tell me, what is the local custom for punishing misbehaving slaves?"

Vangur looks at Elay with great certainty as he replies. They Die. We beat them to death because they try it once and they will try it again, and that is not okay.

Yup. We get to kill them to make an example. But at home, we can sic the dogs on them also for sheer entertainment as well. Hangur replies to Elay as well.

[/b]Reaching the gnolls, Fen offers them some of his food. "Tonight, we rest, as friend Vangur says. Tomorrow, this journey will come to an end... at least for now. Who truly knows what tomorrow will bring?"

He looks casually at the halfling woman as he says this. As the gnolls start to get up and walk around, Fen whispers: "Not yet. Trust me.". At the whisper the young Halfling looks at him with determination and respect. Trusting Fen and waits.

I was kind of waiting on Derezone to post. But it looks like it's going to be a no-go. So I will put them on the by.

Don't worry, we are still on target.

I heard the dental and vision were awful, which is probably why I'll never join the island.

So all of the above.

But I also have to add the Destiny of the Sands Trio. Every time I played that episode, the Arabian nights theme from Aladdin would come into my head.

And then I would all sing: "Osirian nights! Turn to Osirian days!"

The gnolls look at Elay as he is drawing.

Yeah the boss lady spends most of her time in her chambers. She be talking to someone, but no one ever comes in or out of the room. So she is totally a weird lady. Vangur says looking out at the slaver and the others sitting by the cart.

Fen perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
Elay perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (9) + 11 = 20
Charging perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
Denizone perception: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (12) + 0 = 12

Fen, Elay and Charging:

The gnolls look up at Elay as he asks his question. They look at each other quizzically and then answer.

I don't really know her name. Vangur says to Elay. We just know her as the boss who always is wearing veils.

Yeah she's like always veiled. I am pretty sure she sleeps in one. Hangur chimes in.

The first day of your journey, goes completely uneventful. As you progress on the second day, the sun while not high is still radiating a heat that is almost unbearable. The slaves pushing the cart and the entire party continuing to head towards the main base of the slavers. The three slaves are pushing a cart, which is not heavy with the exception of the chest that is in the cart. As you begin to travel onward, you notice that the city of Okeno grows further and further away from you and desert mountains and caverns are in your general view. You come upon a small cavernous space where there is shade for the party to take respite in.

"I am tired" Vangur says to Hangur. "We should take break here and move again once the sun setts a little further."

"We are almost there!" Hangur says angrily to Vangur. "We could make it by nightfall if we keep going."

" I am stopping. You can carry on by yourself if you want." Vangur says resolute. He heads towards an area of shade and plops down his gear. Hangur stands there determined to carry on, but eventually yields and comes to the shade. The slaves park the cart and themselves in a small shaded area just far enough away from the gnolls. Many of them look exhausted from the hard march in the day's heat.

What would you like to do party?

The Chelish man looks down. Saying nothing. As Charging Bear looks at the Kellid Woman, she looks at him and speaks in her native tounge.

Haa goobtii ilkaha. Waxaa iman doona wakhti marka waxaan ku burburin doonaa lafo aad hoos kulaylka.

I'm mostly GMing, and Rich asked me to be Overseer again for one of the Specials.

I registered on Warhorn but Brent hasn't cleared me for signups, yet.

Which special are you overseeing? I am running the Friday night one, and playing on Saturday..

For our Canada peeps, ConQuest Avalon = local con for Nefreet, Charging Bear and I. It's Nov 20th to the 22nd, which is why I want to be done with the PbP by then.

The Halfling girl looks at Fen. First a sense of fear, but then speaks with a certainty that seems a little out of place given her body language.

Thank you sir, but I am quite capable of moving at the pace of the rest of the party. She says.

There is no need for you to trouble yourself on slaves. Vangur says distastefuly. Either they are going to survive the trip or they don't. My boss will not want them if they could not survive the journey.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

Fen, you notice on the neck of the halfling girl a small pendant. The pendant resembles the emblem of the Bellflower Network.

The gnolls look at the party surrounding them. They nod to each other and then the party. Then look at the party again. “Well it seems you at least look the part.” Says the other gnoll. “At our compound, we have the goods that you have come for. It’s not very far, just two days out of town. We heard that it’s going to be hot. So you may want to change your clothes.”

Anyone who wants to change into hot weather gear can do so in your post before you head out of the pesh bar.

“I am Vangur. This is Hangur. Our boss is who you seek as well as our goods. So we will take you to our boss. We must tell you though, we also came to pick up some new slaves, and they are going to be joining us as well.” Vangur finishes his drink. “Well it’s at least past noon now, so we can get going if you are ready to head there. Don’t worry, we have camping gear. We make the new recruits carry it to get them warmed up.” Vangur rises from the table as well as Hangur.

They take all of you to a small shop at the end of The Fleshfairs out of town. There a salesman comes before all of you and Hangur pulls out a bill of sale. The man looks at it and then ushers all of you in. In this room, there are men, women and children of all ages and races sitting in cells and cages. As you all come into the room many of them look up at you with despair and hopes that you have come to set them free. All knowing that such a thing does not exist in this world.

The man then comes forward with a line of chain. Behind it is three, chained together. One, is a small female Halfling who appraises all of you with fear in her eyes. Then came a human Chelish looking man, looking down at the floor the entire time. The last one is a woman of Kelid stature and nature. She looks fierce, with a burning passion behind her eyes, whether it’s to escape or kill, you cannot tell the difference.

“Now that we have the new recruits, we can go.” Hangur says to the party. “We go now, before the dark comes and the wind makes it impossible.”

I don't speak for anyone but me but I'm fine if this has to go into December or whenever it finishes.

Negative, I am not going to go that late. I still have plans to be done by the 22nd of November. :) Tomorrow, I am just going to go hard on the postings. :)

THIS is the first PbP I joined, and we're on page 9. We're probably almost done, as we're on the final map engaging the BBEG.

Just 3 weeks to get to that point.

I apologize for the slowness. The convergence of life issues have been hitting me a bit. I plan on getting back on track today and the rest of the week. It is kind of a nice bonus that this adventure is really a faster pace scenario, once the GM finally gets sometime to write out stuff. >.<