#4–08: The Cultist's Kiss [PFS] (Inactive)

Game Master Mari Clock

Game play

A tall willowy figure steps forward, long graceful elven ears protruding from an ornate wooden mask shaped to resemble an arrow head. His movements are slow and exact as if every step was planned. Under a velvet lined cloak flashes of gold can be seen hinting at some form of armor made of what looks like liquid metal.

A Varisian man in his early fifties, wrinkles starting to cover his bald head. He has a large rune tattoed on his forehead, one that Thassilonian experts may recognize as the Wrath rune. Many other tattoos, either written in Varisian or Thassilonian, cover his body, including the Sihedron rune on his chest. The man is often seen with his chest bare, a red varisian scarf around his waist and breeches covering his legs. A veil of bone and silk covers his lower jaw and nose, embroidered with ancient symbols and Thassilonian runes. He's leaning on a masterfully carved ebony staff.

He must obviously have some orcish blood in his veins, for the sorcerer's wrathful gaze often turns blood-red as he starts casting his Wrath magic, before turning into a real orc.

"I am Shandor, seeker of the relics of ancient Thassilon. Wrath is my sin, and I shan't be merciful." he says with a rasping voice.

A youngish looking man strides in; the slight angular top of his ears poking through his long hair is the only indication of his elven heritage. He has a matched set of several different types of weapons; they have clearly seen some use. He nods to all.

Venture-Captain Sheila Heidmarch’s mission summons brings you to her Magnimarian manor house.

“Loyal Pathfinders,” the deep-voiced Venture-Captain Sheila Heidmarch says from the end of the long dining table, “our colleagues in Absalom are putting pressure on me to find out more about the forgotten goddess Lissala and her worshipers. We have searched catacombs and libraries for artifacts and accounts of the faith for centuries, but now that we know the cult is still active here in Varisia, this has become a priority for the Ten.

“One of my agents claimed she had uncovered an active cult of Lissala practicing their rites in Palin’s Cove, a few days ride from Korvosa. If she’s correct, this would be an unusual opportunity for us - we could study the goddess and her faith firsthand instead of piecing together information from disparate runes and legends hidden in the dust of a crumbled empire. Find this cult and get to the center of its inner workings. Brute force might get you in the door, but we won’t learn much from a bunch of dead cultists, so infiltrate it if you can. Learn what secrets you can, and get out safely to report your findings to me. I want to know how Lissala’s faith has survived 10 millennia undetected, and what foul plan they’re concocting that has precipitated their resurgence all of a sudden.

“I have a man in Palin’s Cove by the name of Gerhart Aldrim. He has arranged lodging and cover identities for you if you need them. Aldrim will expect you at the Baited Hook Inn within the week, and can answer any questions you might have about your mission. Oh, and one last thing: The agent who uncovered the cult has not reported back in some time. So do be careful. Losing one Pathfinder is misfortune; losing an entire team would seem like carelessness.”

Where on Golarion?

You arrive at Baited Hook Inn, which is a sturdy building by Palin’s Cove’s docks where sailors stay during shore leave. Gerhart Aldrim is waiting for you.

It is apparent that he was a tall man once, but in his old age, he walks with a stoop. He is missing much of the right side of his face, and most of his right arm. As a retired Pathfinder, he still keeps watch for sudden developments in Palin’s Cove.

Ah! There you are. Glad you made it. Let us be off to my cottage. Quickly now! You can start your journey in the morning, and you certainly don’t want to stay at this filthy place. He sits with you and is happy to talk with the you, provides you a hearty meal, and will answer any questions he can.

A Lissalan cult? This is right my alley. Though I expect I shall enjoy the part after the infiltration better. I will steal their source of power and turn them to ashes. Eventually.

Shandor grins as Aldrim offers them hospitality.

"What do we know exactly about Lissala? If we're to infiltrate them, we need to know as much as we can about her. Also, what is their method of recruitment for the cult? How do we get their attention?"

Any knowledge checks that could be rolled?

The pathfinder that claims to have found the cult never actually told me much. I do know she found something. I think she called them "The Heart Eaters", something along that line. I have lived here going on 10 years and if this cult she says she found is real, they have hidden themselves REAL well. Then again, I don't get out much these days, so I guess it might not hurt you to ask around.

You can inquire with Knowledge Local and Diplomacy checks to the villagers.

"Heart eaters. How charming." Tal asks around hoping his interest in such a thing doesn't cause the locals to run after the authorities.

K: Local: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19

A tall, muscular Kellid walks into the room followed by an even larger wolf. He nods to the party and sits down, absently patting the wolf.

Shandor asks around about the Lissalan, but takes great care to use veiled references so that he remains discreet in his attempt to learn more about the cult.
Diplomacy (gather information): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

Seeing Shandor ask around, Arnthoth tries to follow his example and aid the man.

Diplomacy Aid: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

Anyone else interested in aiding the diplomatic conversations?

Julian a chelih man of incredible build walks hurriedly behind the group. His gaze never meets yours. The vials he wears are muffled against the leather. On his hip lies a simple dagger.

I hope there's a fight says a thought deep in his head. Quiet Maul, there's always a fight. You will have your chance to fight for the Silver Crusade for now let me do the Dark Archives business.

Know. Local: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17
diplomacy aid: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (4) - 2 = 2

Palin’s Cove is run by a council of the most powerful and influential of the industrialist magnates whose business keeps the town’s economy going. Representatives of the Dunstone, Hurne, Ireni, Rumalin, and Talich families serve as the effective leaders of the council, and each has more than one member of the clan on the council, an honor only these families hold.

In recent years, the outside world has more become aware of the power of siege machinery produced in Palin’s Cove. Emissaries from mercenary companies and foreign powers have begun visiting the town council, offering lucrative sums to commission weapons. The authorities in Korvosa are not amused, but have yet to step in as Palin’s Cove’s liege state to put a stop to the town’s foreign contracts.

Quiet and intrusive Awveyen stays near the group as the ask around, listening carefully to what is said and comparing it to his own knowledge.
Taking 10 for 20
Back in the man's cottage he compares notes with the others.

This industrial, warlike, city flies int he face of the natural order of the world. It is not surprising that such a depraved cult could fine roots here. We must proceed cautiously, find out who belongs to this cult and somehow gain their trust. his voice showing absolutely no emotion as emanates from behind his ornate mask.

The tall, solidly built man fairly gleams as the sun shines off his finely polished plate armor. A burnished silver sword with a sunburst hilt hangs from his neck, the symbol of Iomedae, the Inheritor.

He carries several earthly weapons, but one look into his eyes reveals that his faith itself is by far the most powerful one.

He eyes his companions for this venture, then speaks:

"I am Oswin, faithful servant of Iomedae. May the blessings of the Inheritor be upon us all this day. I have faced the scum of the Pit at the Worldwound, and I swear that I will do my part to bring the wicked Lissalans to justice!"

"We had better be going now, I guess. I think we know enough of the context, and we'll find more on the specifics on the way."

Addressing Gerhart Aldrim: "Where did you intend to lead us, by the way? You didn't say what your plan was to infiltrate this cult."

Maul and I will do our best to protect all of you. The man says humbly.

This will help you to aid in your search for the Cult.
Map of Palin’s Cove

A. Lonely Hearth Lighthouse
B. Rumalin Manor
C. Ireni Manor
D. Dunstone Manor
E. Bank of Abadar
F. Bright Hearth Fortress
G. Belodia Asylum
H. Talich Foundry
I. Baited Hook Inn
J. Talich Manor
K. Aldrim’s House
L. Ammunition Factory
M. Ballista Factory
N. Trebuchet Factory
O. Catapult Factory

"We could start our search for this cult at the Baited Hook Inn. What an appropriate name. I guess the Thassilonian rune tattoos that cover my body will attract attention, hopefully the cult's. If not, we might be able to learn some useful information there. Any insight, Aldrim?"

"Sounds reasonable. But I am concerned that the members of this cult are unlikely to trust a preist such as myself. Perhaps I should hide my Lady's symbol, and allow others to speak. Though I can grant our spokesman a fair amount of assistance in dealing with others..."

I have never used Touch of Glory. But I can hand out +9 to a single Charisma check 6 times per day. You can hold onto it for up to an hour, too. If we all agree, Oswin could be the "face", but this might be the wrong locale for him.

Arnthoth shrugs. "Didn't we just meet the old man at the Baited Hook? I did not examine the area, but I don't think I saw any cultists."

My understanding from what I read is that you as a group have to first find the cult, then infilterate the cult, then report back what you find out about the cult.

You have to go to the various listed locations (I didn't list them before because I didn't want you to get too far from the folks that were joining in late) and talk with people there. You also need your cover identities. A group of Pathfinders asking about a cult will probably draw a lot of suspicion and make the cult that much more difficult to locate. Also, you are not going to just find the cultists out in the open at the Inn, it has been stated already they are very well hidden cult and even Aldrim has said he has not heard of them in the last 10 years he has lived there.

Also, Aldrim is going to stay at his house, you are free to rest there each night and have meals there. If you have any questions for him regarding your mission, he will answer what he knows.

When you ask for your cover identities, he responds, One of you will be Avis Dimitrov, from the Dimitrov family in Korvosa. Dimitrov seeks depraved pleasures and mystic enlightenment. Rich, amoral, and not too bright - the kind of folk any mad sect would be happy to have aboard. The rest of you can pose as Dimitrov’s bodyguards, servants, advisors, and hangers-on. I have some fancy clothes to make you look the part, and a letter of introduction from a Korvosan wizard who was born here. No skin off my nose what you do with this; Sheila told me to get it ready and she’s not one to be lightly refused.

Adopting the cover identity and dressing the part will grant circumstance bonus on Disguise checks and on Bluff checks whenever pretending to be Dimitrov would be helpful.

"I could pretend to be Dimitrov, or his trusted advisor and personal mage." suggests Shandor, more eager than ever to find this cult.

"I suppose I could play the part of his bodyguard...I do carry quite a few weapons."

I think due to my sheer build I should be a bodyguard.

Mesmerized by the sheer size of Julian, Tal hopes that his new companions don't think he's compensating for something by carrying so many weapons.

Arnthoth frowns, looking at Volfie, then back to the party. "I am either bodyguard....or wolf handler....."

I can disguise myself to appear human. I could be servant or adviser.

Locations:
Lonely Hearth Lighthouse
Rumalin Manor
Ireni Manor
Dunstone Manor
Bank of Abadar
Bright Hearth Fortress
Belodia Asylum
Talich Foundry
Baited Hook Inn
Talich Manor
Aldrim’s House
Ammunition Factory
Ballista Factory
Trebuchet Factory
Catapult Factory

Shandor can be Dimitrov, everyone else will play a retainer, bodyguard, advisor, or other hanger-on type of person.

You head first to the Baited Hook Inn, after a hearty breakfast with Aldrim.

This inn is the primary source of lodging, entertainment, and food for the inhabitants of Palin’s Cove. Its proximity to the docks and the tendency for underpaid factory workers to live there indefinitely means its clientele is often unwashed and uncouth, and even its best rooms are infested with bed bugs and the stench of body odor. You are suddenly very glad you did not have to sleep here. The Innkeeper’s name is Pindra Coxswain (human female). She greets you as you enter, without actually looking up, and calls out, Find a seat. I’ll be right over for orders. Then she comes over after a few minutes.

I will cross off locations as you go to them.

After leaving the inn, Shandor will casts mage armor and raiment of command on himself. Both spells last 9 hours.

Shandor volunteers to assume the role of Dimitrov. He casts spells to draw other people's attention and inspire awe to all.

"Greetings, I am Avis Dimitrov of Korvosa. I've been told that... forbidden pleasures could be found here, for those who can afford it, if you know what I mean. Would you have any idea of where to find such things? Surely a woman as well-informed as you are must know where to start."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (14) + 11 = 25

Aveyen uses Extended Disguise self (160 min) to appear as an older, scholarly type, human.
Master Dimitrov that is hardly the sort of talk you should use in mixed company. Apologies Madam, the my lord may have a brash manner and a wicked tongue, but he is a good man at heart.

Bluff to sell Shandor really is Avis Dimitrov, a depraved noble
+10 from Mask of Stony Demeanor
bluff: 1d20 + 2 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 2 + 10 = 31
and a diplomacy aid to sell that Avis Dimitrov is a likable rogue
diplomacy: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12

Oswin will use Touch of Glory on Shandor before entering each location. At least for the first 6 each day. If you care to use it, please add a +9 untyped bonus to your Diplomacy or Bluff check.

Oswin hides his symbol of Iomedae, and other more obvious religious accoutrements. He now looks like a well-armored guard, and if he scowls because he is forced to deal with the criminal element of the city, it simply improves his disguise.

Shandor will use the Touch of Glory from Oswin (thanks!), making the Diplomacy check a 25+2+9=36!

The Innkeeper blushes at Shandor's words, Well, no, I don't know what sorts of forbidden pleasures to which you are referring. Though I'd be happy to sit and chat with you a bit.

She pulls up a chair and pushes it as close to Shandor as she can, practically sitting in his lap so she can whisper in his ear, But maybe we can get together later.

Shandor grins and winks, whispering "My dear, I would be delighted to spend some time with you. I am looking forward to discovering your hidden delights." as his lips brush lightly the woman's ear, barely touching it.

-Posted with Wayfinder

Is anyone going to ask about the cult or anything similar? Or is it just the question about forbidden pleasures?

Aye, don't let me keep you from interacting with other NPCs.

Shandor takes the conversation further with the innkeeper. He reveals the tattoo on his heart, matching the shape of his medallion - the Sihedron star.

"Say, lovely creature, have you seen a symbol like this one around? You must think me dreadfully curious."

Rolling his eyes, Tal decides to leave Shandor to his machinations and attempts to gather information from some of the other patrons. Unfortunately Tal is comes off as much too intimidating.

Diplomacy: 1d20 ⇒ 3

Innkeeper Pindra lightly runs her fingers along the shape of the tattoo (if she is permitted).

No, that doesn't look like anything I've ever seen before. What is it? She's completely fascinated by the man posing as Dimitrov and has a hard time looking away from him at all to pay any attention to the others at the table.

For reference, there is no one else in the Inn that will have any information from you, beyond the Innkeeper.

Actually, Shandor is wearing his Sihedron medallion over his clothes, plainly visible. He also has the Thassilonian rune of wrath tattooed on his bald forehead. I should also note that his Wayfinder is inside his Handy Haversack.

-Posted with Wayfinder

Master Dimitrov, I do believe we have taken up enough of this woman's time. Perhaps we should continue with our business in the city. Awveyen suggests in a tense tone.

Actually, just waiting to see if wearing obvious Thassilonian symbols in the open has a bearing on whatever happens at the inn. If not:

The alledged nobleman nods with a sigh. "You're right. Alas, dear girl, we must part for now. However, I'll be looking forward to meeting you later, and maybe get a taste of your sweet lips, maybe?"

He will leave for now, and decide to head for the Belodia Asylum.

Let me know if you wish to visit another specific location, I'm just proposing this one to push the game forward.

Asylum's are always fun.

Oswin follows Shandor out, and agrees to his suggestion since one location seems as good as the next to him.

Arnthoth snaps his fingers at Volfie and follows after Shandor.

Sorry for my absence over the weekend. I am in the middle of moving my family from Virginia to Pennsylvania. Bot me if necessary over the weekend.

I grow tired of all these subtle politics. Why not call out the cult directly and then use our wits to get out of the situation. Julain asks the group.

Humans... Mutters Awveyen under his breath.

The Innkeeper is terribly sad to see Shandor go, and stares after the door for about 15 seconds before recovering her wits about her.

Meanwhile, you head off to the Belodia Asylum. When you get there, you are granted entrance and you go in to the office of Nivolo Belodia, the current overseer and chief alienist. He sits upright and barely blinks while speaking with you. Hello. How can I help you? He offers you all some water. I assume you are here to review patient treatment? I assure you, the patients here are very happy, they do not want for anything. They are very well treated. I'm not sure what you have heard to the contrary.

Locations:
Lonely Hearth Lighthouse
Rumalin Manor
Ireni Manor
Dunstone Manor
Bank of Abadar
Bright Hearth Fortress
Belodia Asylum
Talich Foundry
Baited Hook Inn
Talich Manor
Aldrim’s House
Ammunition Factory
Ballista Factory
Trebuchet Factory
Catapult Factory