Encounter for the Endless Encounters Campain
Each of you has responded to an advertisement in the tavern asking to meet in the out behind the stables at dusk for a possibly-dangerous delivery job. As the sun sets Dina, Lyoto, and Withal can be seen milling around nearby. Each one suspects that the others are here for the same purpose.
Withal leans against the nearby stable, sipping from a hip flask periodically while his other hand rests on the scaly neck of the Allosaurus Telorast as it waits beside him.
He nods to the large woman from the tavern as she approaches, "Looks like we're gonna get a taste of that gold and glory right off the bat. At least I don't see that damn wizard anywhere, eh?"
He spares a glance for the reptilian newcomer, "You too, scales? What's your story?"
A slim woman, her burnished and weathered skin covered by a woolen robe and head-scarf, steps behind the stables. "Am I late? The sands of time wait for no-one, including me, it would seem." She regards Withal and his dinosaur with half-lidded glowing amber eyes, her hand resting casually on her scimitar's pommel. Deciding he's likely not a danger, she approaches, offering a palm. "I am Benlie. You are...?"
The dark haired man grins, giving her a lingering look, "Withal, at your service. I'm pleased to see I'll be in such good company at the very least."
He pats his saurian companion on the head, smirking, "Don't mind young Tel here. He'll mind his manors. My word on it."
Casting a glance around the stables, he offers his flask to Benlei, "I guess we're just waiting on our employer then. You know anything about this package we're supposed to be taking?"
"I'd like to know the same thing." A voice calls out from inside one of the stalls. A halfling steps out from the shadows. He is dressed in nice clothes and looks as though he hails from the nice part of town. "That's why I'm hiring you. Pleased to meet you all. My name is Nat. I hail from parts far away, and I seek knowledge. But enough about me. I would like to learn more about this lovely lady. Beautiful eyes. Very exotic. Nat turns toward Benlei with and studies her eyes for a moment. "But time is wasting so, since we're all here what do you say we get started? Everyone come close and grab a hold of my arm."
"Very well, little one." She turns to Withal as she grabs the halfling's arm. "I will have to decline your drink, but perhaps another time?"
Withal simply shrugs and takes a long drink for himself, "Anytime."
He raises an eyebrow in the halfling's direction, "Well Nat. I take it this is more than a handshake?"
"Come on then Tel.", stepping forward, he guides Telorast's head under the halfling's hand before taking hold himself. He winks at Nat, "Don't worry. He won't bite...not hungry yet."
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A smiling Nagaja joins the crew, he has just won some competitions in the arena games.
Lyoto walks up and people can see sack with his belongings tied to his shoulder straps as well as a variety of weapons from a temple sword to nunchaku to javelins all strapped to his belt.
I heard this was a place where a guy could make some easy money. the Reptile says. All we gotta do is deliver a package right?
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Hello all, sorry for my tardiness. I was sharpening my axe on that rock over there and didn't notice all of your presences. My perception seems to be lacking tonight. Walking over with haste Dina sheaths her axe and looks ominously at the circle of people holding hands. This is not more of that wicked magic rain of death is it? Almost overly cautious Dina takes the hand of 2 of members of the circle. I assume you are the one they are calling Nat? Dina looks over the halfling with a smile. Not sure why you need me to deliver a package; I'm here for fame and fortune, not a postman job. A bit of gold will fuel my journey anyways so I guess some small sacrifices must be made.
As soon as you are all touching, Nat chants a few words, and instantly you are teleported to a the inside of a warehouse. Boxes line the walls stacked nearly to the ceiling. The only light streams in through cracks in the wooden slats. "Welcome to Katheer. It may not look like much, but trust me, the view will only improve from here on out." Nat turns and yells down to the other end of the room just as another halfling rounds a corner. "Philippe, bring it out, we are ready."
Philippe trots over and bows slightly to Nat, "All the preparations are made sir. We were expecting you. If you will come with me.
He leads you outside, and there on the grass sits a giant inflated balloon. Attached to the bottom is a large rectangular platform with several chests fastened along the sides. A crude railing is constructed all around the perimeter, but doesn't look like it would be safe to lean against. Nat explains, "The task I have for you is a simple one. Deliver that chest" He points to a slightly more ornate chest in the center of the row on the right side of the ship "to my contacts at the fish market in Diobel at the western edge of The Isle of Kortos. Your trip will take you across the Inner Sea, straight over Absalom. The airship you see before you has been imbued with magic enough to take care of the navigation and propulsion. Your job is to watch for pirates. Fight off any you find, and deliver that chest to me. I would not recommend opening it yourselves. I have paid a great deal of gold to have it warded by the best trap makers in this fair city. The other chests contain all the supplies you will need for the journey, but I expect you will arrive in Diobel on the third day.
I should also mention that certain enemies of mine have been trying to steal artifact from me for some time. I have brought it many leagues and I will not be stopped now. That is why I will be traveling by ship on a different route with an identical chest. Not even I know which chest has the real artifact. Once you successfully deliver the chest, I will pay you each 1000 gold pieces. now I would hate to see you tumble off the edge of the airship, so I give each of you a snap leaf medallion. If you stumble overboard, it will save you from falling to your death. Although, if you must fall, try not to fall too far from land, as I will have no means of locating you. Do you have any questions before I send you on your way?
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Pirates! Yes!Jumping with joy Dina looks like a girl getting new shoes. Looking at the party realizing most think pirates are a bad thing.Oh, I mean..... I.... want to fight them. Not that pirates are a good thing that I am looking forward to steal the chest. I just want to see my newly sharpened Axe in action. Patting her Axe on her hip. Also for this snap leaf thing. Does it need knowledge of magic to make it work, because I have non of that and I don't want to die. Also 3 days in the air on a small plank makes sleeping a bit or a halsse. I'm going to look through the box to see wat we have to work with then.
Withal looks at the rather ramshackle seeming airship, "You're sending us...on that? You've money to enchant the damn thing to fly itself, but a few extra coins to reinforce the railings was a step too far?"
He sighs, "Well, at least the pay sounds decent. I'm in.", he winks at Dina, "Don't worry, I volunteer to hold you at night so you don't roll off..."
The bounty hunter's reservations do seem somewhat allayed by the offered medallions, "That's something at least. It won't be the fall that kills us, just the drowning. What about Tel here?"
He jerks his head in Dina's direction, "My boy's smarter than your average dog to be sure, but if our lady friend over there is worried about using it, I sincerely doubt Tel's qualified."
"The Dawn will protect us, friends. I am eager to be on our way, but first, what tool are in the box?" Benlei walks to the box, looking over Dina's shoulder to see what's inside.
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Lyoto makes sure to stay away from the ornate chest as he awaits an answer to his question about those other enemies.
You guys aren't trying to open up the chest we're trying to deliver right? he calls out. There's a bunch of boxes on the bottom of the platform with our gear. If you try an open the fancy lookin one we're screwed.
Withal gives the nagaji a sarcastic look, "You don't say, scales. I'm afraid none of us was listening when he outlined the one rule for this little trip..."
Heading over to one of the plain boxes, he too takes a look inside.
"I assure you, the airship is sound." As Nat says this, it doesn't quite look like he believes it. "It's a unique design I grant you, but we had to build it in secret, lest my enemies catch on. I couldn't very well commission a proper air ship, that would tip my hand. As for the snap leaves, all you have to do is break them. I assume Tel can bite things? That is all that's required. If he can't reach it on his own when he falls, you may have to dive off after him and help."
Nat takes a roll of documents from Philippe and hands it to Lyoto. "Here is a map of your route and an up to date inventory. I don't think my enemies will give you much trouble, as they should not be aware of your passing, but they have stolen from me countless times before. The are an organization of thieves that will think nothing of murdering you to get what they desire. But this is one artifact they will not get their grubby little paws on!"
As you check the chests, the inventory seems accurate. It contains the following:
1 week of trail rations for the group.
40 gallon barrel of water
1000 feet of rope
8 blankets
1 deck of harrowing cards
6 potions of cure light wounds
1 Patch kit for the balloon
2 short bows
40 arrows
2 lanterns
1 vial of alchemical glue
1 campfire bead
1 copper basin
2 cots
"If you are all satisfied, please climb aboard. We will cut the ropes and you will be off. If all goes well, I will see you in Diobel, and we will all be a little bit wealthier."
"Very well. May the winds be at your back, and at ours." Benlei boards the airship, pausing introspectively once aboard. Pirates and thieves? The Dawn would want me aboard this vessel, right? Right?
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I'm not sure what the hell a harrowing deck does. But whatever. Let's move out! Lyoto says with commanding authority.
He then takes the snapleaf and ties it around his neck using some of his own twine, so that it's right below his mouth.
If the dog can bite so can I. Don't want to by fumbling through my pockets if I'm falling 5,000 or whatever feet from the sky.
Withal give the airship a final long look before taking a deep drink of his flask and climbing aboard, whistling for Telorast who jumps up after him, "Right. Let's get going. Damn thing's not going to fly itse...lets get going."
"I'd suggest we each take one of the potions and a length of rope to tie ourselves on. Snapleaves or no, by the map, it's mostly leagues of ocean below us..."
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The potions are a good idea. But I'd prefer not to be strapped to this flying thingy. If we're going down, chances are it's because the entire ship is going down. Lyoto says, looking into the inquisitor's eyes.
By the way, who is taking first watch? There's two cots, so we're gonna have to sleep in shifts either way. I'm thinking the two humans should take the day shift. while those of us who can see when it's not so bright should take the night shift.
"I will take first watch, unless another one would prefer it." Benlei sees the others securing their snapleaves and does the same. She also slips a potion into a pocket.
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Good idea Withal, you seem to know what you're doing. I vote to make him captain. Grabbing a few feet of rope to tie down the ornate chest and the gear chest safely to the ship. Then a few more to tie herself to the ship.
Hope I did that right. Well then I'm ready for take off Captain!
Putting the snapleaf on her neck and a potion in her pack she stands ready.
I can also take first watch. Two on two off sounds like a good thing. May I use one of the bows in case i need it?
Withal shrugs at Lyoto as he fastens the rope around his waist, "Your call. Personally, I'm more worried about the railing giving way in the middle of relieving myself..."
He spares a smile for Benlei, "As much as I hate to turn down your company my lady, I think scales has the right of it. You two are best suited for the night hours.
He grins at Dina's proposal, "Your nomination is much appreciated. It's hardly classy to suggest such things on your own behalf after all."
Still smiling, Withal leans over the railing, carefully, and severs the rope, "We'll see you in Diobel, master Nat!"
"Good luck" Nat calls after you, as Philippe cuts the ropes that hold the balloon down. As the platform begins to lift the port railing creaks and one side falls off. The entire railing dangles by a single nail for a few seconds then crashes to the ground. Up up and away flies the apparatus. You see the yard and dingy warehouses grow smaller as the city unfolds before you. The different market districts are bustling with activity, but soon those also become small and distant. Then all at once the whole platform vibrates and you notice the breeze pick up. Apparently the propulsion magic has been activated, and you can hear the whoosh of air near the stern of the ship as if from invisible fans. The balloon lurches forward and sways back and forth for nearly a minute before it stabilizes. Before you know it you are heading due west. The river below you becomes a brown line surrounded by green. Beyond, is the dusty brown terrain of Qadira. Higher and higher soars the balloon. Before long the sun sets and the only thing left in the world is the whoosh of the magic and the light of the lanterns. Everything beyond the rickety railings is darkness and void.
The next day passes uneventfully. There's not much besides a deck of harrowing cards to keep entertained. And there is absolutely no privacy aboard the tiny vessel.
Benlei sits cross-legged as she shuffles the Harrowing deck for the umpteenth time, flipping over the cards and scrunching her brow at them. "Have any of you any experience with this Harrowing thing? It seems like no deck of cards I have seen, although I have not seen many. My time with the Cult did not allow for such frivolous behavior. As for that show, Lyoto, I for one would be glad to not see it." She takes a drink of water and looks down off the railing-less side of the ship. I already miss the sands of the desert. Hopefully this will be over soon and I may return home, or follow the Dawn's light.
Withal chuckles as he prepares to settle into one of the cots, "I doubt you'd be prepared for such a sight, my friend. But take heart, at least one of us came prepared for the journey.", taking the hip flask from his waist, he offers it to the nagaji.
Pulling the thin blanket over him, Withal peers over at Benlei, "With the "mystical fortune telling"? I'm afraid not my dear. Though I do know a couple games to play. Provided you don't mind losing a few coins for the diversion of course. I'd be happy to teach once I've gotten a little shut-eye."
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Lyoto climbs out of his cot, accepts the flask and takes a hearty swig.
Ya know Withal, maybe I misjudged you. There just might be some common ground between us after all. I owe ya a drink once we touch down.
[B]As he hands back the Flask he laughs at Dina, Well we've already seen what elverone has to offer. That's kinda cold to reject him outright heheh.[\B]
Early the next morning, as the sky begins to brighten, you notice a large mass of land stretched out before you, the Isle of Kortos. Most of the crew is just beginning to stir. You are still out at sea, far below, the city of Absalom is just becoming visible. A slight smog seems to hang above the city, obscuring any fine details, but the famous landmarks can be spotted even from this height.
Suddenly a pop, and a whoosh of air rips everyone out of their morning stupor. Two men stand in the center of the platform. One of them with deep crimson skin and two horns jutting from his forehead. His robes are shimmering in a way that betrays magic. The other man, great and tall with long black hair is sporting an impressive set of full plate armor. He looks about with an air of superiority. "Well, Joriah, it looks like we over-prepared after all. I honestly thought the artifact would be better protected than this." The tall armored man points his sword at Dina, "You, tell us where you've stashed the amulet, and I won't be forced to kick you off this...ship." He looks around in disgust. "Are you sure we got the right place Joriah? It seems to me like we have stumbled onto a pack of air hobos."
"I am fearing you do have the wrong place. We are but travelers on our way to Absalom, as our captain will no doubt tell you. If you would be so kind as to tell us where we are, that would be much appreciated. We were blown off course a few days after we left Oppara." Benlei stands and stretches before nonchalantly placing a hand on her scimitar. She gives a small bow to the horned man. "I am called Benlei, and the dawn smiles on our meeting. You may join us on our journeys, if you wish. Who are you fine gentlemen?"
Withal steps forward to meet the new arrivals, from behind him, Withal lets out a low hiss, "My companion has the right of it. Though she's rather too polite. I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask you gentlemen to leave. Now."
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BLAHH!! Who are you two, and how did you get up here? Dina falls out of the cot stumbling to her feet. Not wanting to get kicked off, she slowly moves 5 feet away from the edge between Benlei and the new men. Keeping her hands in the air she states, Lets all be friends here and no need to kick people off edges. That would be a very unfortunate fall. Double checking that the snapleaf is still on her neck she looks down to see how far the fall is.
-1 if fatigued.
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Oh relax Dina. These guys just got the wrong place. he says with a slight chuckle.
Seriously, if we had an artifact that was worth a damn we probably would've flown in an airship with separate rooms. I bet that armor you have on is worth more than everything on this airshop Lyoto says pointing to the full plate.
"They do have a good point Joriah. Better make sure."
The red faced fellow, who now you realize looks very much like a tiefling, pulls out a small object and begins shining it around the platform like a lamp. He pauses as its invisible beam passes over the ornate chest, and nods toward his companion.
Well, well, well. I see that we have come to the right place after all. But as I said before, there need not be blood. I am a good and kind man, but you see, in the Pathfinder Society we never walk away empty handed. Joriah, get the artifact. I'll hold off this riffraff."
Joriah makes to lunge for the ornate chest and the Warrior raises his sword to slash at Dina.
Initiative
Benlei
Withal
Joriah
Dina
Warrior
Lyoto
Benlei steps forward, her blade flashing from its sheath as she moves toward the Warrior. She whips the blade quickly at his chest before bringing it into a parrying position in front of her.
If either attempts to attack Benlei, she tries to parry their stroke and deliver a return slash at them. If so, 1/3 panache used.
Withal's eyebrows raise in surprise as the two intruders quickly locate the artifact, "So much for the easy way..."
Withal draws the rapier at his hip smoothly but his lunge is fouled by a sudden shift of the precarious airship platform. Undeterred, he winks at the intruding mage and lets out a sharp whistle.
Hearing his master's whistle, Telorast darts around Withal and lays into the mage with a flurry of teeth and claws.
Joriah cries out as Telorast's teeth and claws sink into him. Yet he is undeterred in his mission. He lunges for the chest, and as soon as he touches it, a flash of light bursts from it. The world goes black...
Everyone take
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You snap awake with a ringing in your ears and a rush of wind across your body. Your comrades are still nearby but they are floating. The ship is no where to be seen. Then to your sudden horror you realize you are not floating at all, but falling. Debris and bodies seems to be falling at just the same rate in a group. As you glance up, you can see the tattered remains of the balloon high above you. Joriah the Tiefling is slowly tumbling through the air, but the warrior looks like he is trying to swim his way over to the still closed chest.
I could not find satisfactory free fall mechanics in the core rules, so I took a few liberties. The rules while falling are as follows:
-Movement speed is reduced to 10ft
-Treat movement as though you are difficult terrain (no 5 ft step, no charging, etc.)
-You must succeed at a DC10 fly check to move, or a DC5 fly check to stay put. You may make the check untrained. If you fail any check, you move 5 feet in a random direction. Being Adjacent to another person gives you a +4 bonus as you can use them for stability. The check must be made of each move action.
-No one can be tripped, but you can bull rush, grapple, disarm, or perform any other combat maneuver.
-Casting a spell while falling requires a concentration check with a DC equal to 20 + the spell's level.
-You cannot hear each other unless you are adjacent. The wind is too loud.
-Melee weapons work normally.
-Arrows take a -4 to hit.
Continue in initiative order.
Dina
Warrior (Will try and fail to fly to the chest)
Lyoto
Benlei
Withal
Joriah (seems to be unconscious)
Lyoto, as you gracefully approach the chest, you can see that the lid is nearly torn off, but knocking around on the inside, you see a few items:
50 ft of rope
the campfire bead
a bundle of 5 arrows
Dina makes to go for the warrior, but turns head over heels. When she finally rights herself she finds that she is practically where she started.
Benlei (need perception check)
Withal (need perception check)
Joriah (seems to be unconscious)
Round 2 of falling begins:
Dina (need perception check)
Warrior
Lyoto