A Brute Squad Betrayal (Inactive)

Game Master ThorGN

Motley crew dot.

Upon responding to a summons to the Pathfinder Lodge, you are ushered to a conference room where Venture-Captain Drandle Dreng, a wiry old man with a wild gray beard and glinting eyes, sits on a large plush bench next to a finely dressed, full-figured woman who looks as though this entire meeting isn’t worth her time.

Yes, come in, please sit down. Dreng welcomes you. This is Lady Gloriana Morilla.

The regal Taldan woman acknowledges the introduction with a slight tilt of her head, but otherwise makes no move to greet anyone.

Please describe your entrance and introduce yourself.

In walks a being covered fine irridescent scales (brown with steaks of dark forest green). There is a large snake draped over his shoulders. He is geared up more for a walk in the hills than a meeting with a high society matron.

With darting gaze, his lidless yellow eyes pear around the room. His forked tongue tastes the air.

He says, Sssalutationsss humansss. Ssself be known asss Selter Sago. Ssself bringsss exhalted power of nagasss. Sssuccesss isss asssured. What isss tasssk?

Sierra enters the room quietly. Looking around at other present but otherwise saying nothing at first. She stands confidently in simple clothes that she manages to somehow seem above their cut by the way that she portrays herself. The bow on her back looks not at all out of place considering the few short months since she picked it up after beginning training.

"I am here as requested." She nods in return to the Lady, "Paladin Sierra at your service my Lady." She takes a seat.

A young-looking woman, of Dwarfish stock, walks into the room. She is quiet but bright-eyed and brash-looking. Directly behind her enters another Dwarf, tall for one of his race, encased in rock-like armor with a Greataxe slung across his back. Over the brows of both of them floats a glowing silvery rune. Dwarven rune for Ancestor, for anyone who speaks Dwarven

"I'm Marla Gunddur, and this is Uncle." she says, indicating the other Dwarf.

"Greetings, young ones." Brak says in a deep voice.

"Thank you for your invitation, Venture-Captain. Now what is this about? My time is precious."

The lean, serious-looking woman looks Dreng in the eye as she enters. Dressed in practical travelling gear, sword at her belt and shield slung over her shoulder, she appears unphased by the nagaji alongside her or the obviously mystical dwarves, to whom (along with the young paladin) she nods in greeting. Instead, her eye lingers longest on Lady Gloriana.

Taldan nobility, is it? This could become more trouble than it's worth.

Can I go for a Knowledge (nobility) check to get anything on Lady Gloriana?

You would know that she is the Taldan Venture Captain. Not much else is relevant at the moment.

Dreng responds, Yes, your assignment. Recently a contact from the Low Azlanti embassy in Escadar approached us with an offer. It seems they have discovered a relic of Azlanti origin on the Inner Sea’s floor that we have a unique opportunity to add it to our collection for study. This is not an opportunity we can pass up. As part of the negotiated deal, you must deliver one of our cataloged items from our vault to Escadar in exchange for the Azlanti artifact.

Another VC eh? Interesting.

"An Azlanti artifact? By the Lady of Graves, that is an opportunity worth pursuing.

A question. Why would they give such a thing up? We must be relinquishing something of great value in order to gain this item.

What is this artifact and what do we lose from our catalogue?"

Acenith's gaze drifts between Dreng and Gloriana as she speaks, trying to establish who the sponsor of this mission truly is.

I understand your concirn. We have been led to believe that the trade will be profitable for us, but we need to authenticate the artifact before we make the deal. Since none of you are experts in Azlanti relics, we are sending along someone who is. Nester Rees, an appraiser, relic broker, and friend of the society will be making the long journey with you. Please watch after him, he's not as hardy as some of you young Pathfinders. He is making himself ready for the journey as we speak.

Thisss Nessster Reessse he isss trusssted, yesss? Mussst we watch him asss well asss watch over him? Resssponsssible job it isss.
Isss transssportation arranged?
Ssshould we anticipate Assspis agentsss attempting to intercept usss?

Yes, you have anticipated the other complicated part of this mission. The Aspis Consortium have also tendered an offer for the relic. The Gillmen have agreed to deal only with us, for now, but we need to close this deal within the month or they will entertain other offers.

A boat is the quickest was to Eskadar, and the Consortium knows that well. One of their warships patrol the waters just outside the harbor and no doubt the Docks are infested with their spies by now. However, Lady Gloriana has set a in motion a plan that should get you through.

At this, Lady Morilla stirs from her silence and speaks in a strong, demanding voice. I have used some of the Empire of Taldor’s most skilled operatives to plant a false crew manifest and course plans with the harbormaster, ensuring that the Aspis Consortium spies who certainly are keeping an eye on such matters believe we are moving our relic to Escadar on a ship tomorrow morning. This decoy should occupy the Consortium sufficiently for you to travel overland to Escadar with plenty of time to make the final agreement with the Gillmen before the Society’s window of opportunity has runs out.

Dreng hands a parchment to Acenith. Here is a map of the path you will travel over the mountains. When you reach the town of Pier's End, you will need to arrange passage to Escadar. Part of the arrangement is rooms for you at a tavern called Grindylow’s Goblet. This is also where you are to meet your contacts and make the trade, assuming all goes well on your journey. Make sure you are prepared, it will not be easy.

Ssstroll in the hillsss will be sssatisssfying.
Pier'sss End sssounds like a place we can find a ssship to Essscadar.
Gillmansss? Must we ssswim to thisss thing ourssselvesss?
What are we taking and what are we receiving ssso that we do not get duped too easssily?
If we are ssseen purchasssing horssses, may caussse quessstionsss about decoy being real. Can Sssociety provide mountsss to ssspeed usss on the firssst ssstep of the journey?

I don't want to buy a horse since not everyone can afford one. However, if the authorities will provide...

knowledge nature: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20
Just general knowledge of the island are the mountains likely to be cold enough to need winter gear at this time of year?
Is this route likely to need climbing gear?
Would a horse even make it over the proposed route?
I just made 1 knowledge roll, but I can make 3 if you would rather.

Sierra greets the others as they enter with a polite nod and a bright smile, "Sierra. A pleasure."

She nods as Dreng speaks, aware of the importance of artifacts to the society. Likely trading one to gain another to study. She lets the others speak, they have the same concerns as her it seems. "Are you sure the Consortium will not have spies watching our Appraiser? "
Knowledge(Religion) on Azlanti artifacts and religious connections there may be: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

As Dreng describes the task, Marla pulls a large book out of her pack, readies a quill and ink, and sits down on the floor to write down his instructions.

Brak stands over her, watching the Venture Captains, listening to them and considering the context of the situation.

Knowledge: History on Azlant 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12
Knowledge: History on Gillmen 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22

A stooped and hooded figure, easily mistaken for a servant, responds to the request for horses.
"Horse... good food." He forces the words out as though choking on bad ale. "Yes. Horses."
As the figure steps forward, the glint of steel betrays the greataxe beneath his robes, though as he walks he leans on a long tribal spear adorned with charms and baubles. As he raises his head, a hideous orcish face becomes visible, with large, jagged fangs protruding from a jutting jaw.

Acenith takes the map and gives it a quick perusal for any obvious dangers on the route.

"Sierra raises a good point. Are we sure the Consortium aren't watching Rees? We may not be obvious targets, but he surely is? We should be careful to get him out of the city without anyone noticing."

Knowledge (history) on Azlanti presence off Escadar 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
Profession (librarian) to remember if anything has been taken from the catalogue that might be part of the trade - a long shot I know! 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

"Also, I can assure you Captain that any horses lent to us will not be eaten during the mission. Isn't that right, my Orcish friend?" She turns to Tortella and raises an eyebrow, before turning back to Dreng.

"Will passage be arranged from Pier's End or will the funds be provided for us to arrange it ourselves? I'm a better swimmer than I am horse-woman, but that seems too far even for me."

Horses have not been provided for this mission. The path you will travel may prove to be too difficult for horses, and most sailors in Pier's End are fishermen. Their boats could not carry a half-dozen horses.

Arranging transport is on your own. Obviously, you will be paid for the trip when you get back.

You may take any precautions you deem necessary when leaving the city.

What about the knowledge checks?

Pleassse to be ssseeing map, friend. Acenith I believe wasss the name you gave? Wish to be finding what needsss be prepared to endure.

What is the terrain like before and after the mountains.
Playing to my few skills. Knowledge Nature and Survival. Where outdoors we go and how we get through it, is a large part of what I want to bring to the table.
If we still can't determine, you folks may want to buy some winter clothes and climbing gear. Let me know if you can't afford it and I may be able to buy extra that you can borrow for the duration.

Acenith hands the map to Selter.

"Here, take a look. I'm more of a book reader than a map reader.

Selter Sago, isn't it? I think I've seen you around the lodge. Yes, it's Acenith. Acenith Neketme. Pleased to meet you all."

Acenith gives Dreng a chance to answer the other questions then asks, "When will Rees be here? Or do we meet him at another location?"

Responding to several Knowledge checks. I was getting to it. :)

From Absalom you will cross over the Carionlands, a large expanse of ruins surrounding the city from the countless sieges it has endured. Then travel through the forest that covers much of the inner part of the island of Kortos. Travel over the mountains will be rough and cold; dangerously cold at night. A large swamp lies to the north of the mountains between you and Pier’s end.

Gillmen are an aquatic race that is descended in some way from the Azlanti of old. Some tribes make a consistent living retrieving artifacts from the sea floor and trading with various land-dwellers. They have established an embassy in Escadar and have been welcome there for some time.

Rees will meet you at the Ivy gate when you have prepared for your journey. Please don't make him wait long. Here is a writ. Hand it to the vault keepers and they will retrieve the artifact for you.

Brak puts a hand on Marla's shoulder. Speaking in Dwarven, he says,

Marla nods, but remains seated until the Venture Captains are finished talking, still taking notes. You notice she is writing down what you say as well when you are introducing yourselves.

"Ruins, forest, mountains, swamp. Sounds lovely. This is why people don't leave Absolom.

So, I guess we gear up for the cold in the mountains then head out to meet Rees.

Do we know anything about the artifact, or are we relying entirely on Rees to authenticate it? I feel uncomfortable making a trade for something I know nothing about, but I will trust Rees if you do captain."

Ah… A ssstroll in the countryssside will be invigorating! We ssshould get ssstarted.

When Selter is shopping he will bargain to try and reduce the price of each item. Then he will go ahead and pay 1 sp more than the original (standard) price anyway saying, “The goddesss directsss thisss Ssson of the Sssnake be generousss til next sssliver moon. Prosssperousss daysss to you. We may be back tomorrow with friendsss.” Total spent = 36 gp.

"I have a little gold. I should be able to get a cold weather outfit with a few coins to spare. I can be ready in a couple hours and will meet you all at the Ivy gate," Sierra says when she feels they have been told all they can and addresses the Venture Captains, "Can we expect trouble crossing the island?

"Coat... Must buy." Tortella gurgles as he starts to waddle away.

The land in the center of the island is untamed. There should not be anyone hunting you specifically, but be prepared for any creatures you may run afoul of.

Rees is an expert, but an extra set of eyes never hurts. Keep yours open.

Lady Morilla moves to stand, and reaches out to Marla for a little help in getting out of the deep couch. I must be off. Other things need attending this day. She gracefully exits the room.

Dreng: Well, I think you know what you need to, if there is nothing else Rees is waiting.

Marla rises and departs, Brak following, and makes for the market where she purchases a set of cold weather clothing. As she reaches for her coin purse, she finds a letter in her pocket. After examining it and speaking with Brak, she returns it to her pocket. When she joins the others at their arranged meeting place, she speaks up.

"Lady Gloriana seems to have another task for us. She wishes a letter delivered to the Low Azlanti embassy when we reach our destination." she says, offering to show the letter of instruction to anyone who wishes to see it.

Even if decoy sssucceedsss, nature playsss no favoritesss. One mussst alwaysss be prepared to ssshow one isss not prey.

After makeing his purchases, Selter arrives at the meeting full of moderately hidden anticipation.

Isss ssstrange. One wondersss why Dreng mussst not know about letter. {shrug} However, isss no ssshine off our ssscalesss to passs along a letter.

I'm assuming we need to go to pick up the item from the vault before we meet Rees?

"Thank you captain for entrusting us with this mission. We shall return as soon as we can."

Acenith turns to the others.

"Come friends, let us collect our cargo before we purchase our new winter coats."

She walks purposefully out of the room, writ tucked into an inside pocket. She heads to the vault to exchange the writ for the item.

If that is uneventful she then purchases cold-weather gear and proceeds to the Ivy gate

At the gate you are approached by a middle-aged Garundi man. He walks with a limp using a cane with a golden cobra head as its handle. He carries a small pack and is outfitted in leather armor.

Hello, I am Nester Rees. I have prepared myself for the journey ahead and I see you have done the same. Time is of the essence. He turns to the road, walking with a noticeable limp, though it does not seem to slow him down too much.

Tortella shuffles along behind, satisfied that Rees must know where he's going.

Do I believe he is telling the truth when he says he is Rees?
sense motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21

Isss excellent to meet you. I ssse you are asss eager for the journey as ssself.

Selter strides out in front of the group, his snake beside him. He is carefully watching the sides of the road for indications of violence.
I will take point for now, if some one else wants it later that is fine too.

Sierra walks towards the market to buy a cold weather outfit, keeping an eye out for anyone following her just in case. Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12
There is a shop near her house and she enters and purchases an outfit. -8g
Packing it with the rest of her belongings and leaving the residence she has called home for the last number of months she thinks of her brother and leaves a message for him in case he returns letting him know she also had joined the Pathfinders and hoping he wouldn't be angry. Wherever you are brother, be safe. She heads for the meeting place and finds Rees and the others.

After purchasing her cold weather gear (-8gp), Acenith hurries after the others.

When Marla mentions the letter, Acenith reponds:

"I am no friend to the nation of Taldor but I will not oppose it. Hand over the missive if you choose, it makes no odds to me."

As Sago sets off she calls out:

"Hey, Sago. How long do you think it will take us to reach Pier's End?" I hope that Nagaji knows where he's going. The last thing I want is to be lost in the mountains. If it's longer than five days, I want to pick up some more rations before we leave.

She steps in line with Rees as they leave and keeps close to him throughout the journey. "Greetings, Master Rees. It is an honour to accompany one so learned in such a task. I look forward to learning what I can from you on our travels. Are you truly an expert in all things Azlanti?"

Ssself hasss not ssstrode thessse ssspecific pathsss before. Could be asss ssshort asss ... He pauses to glance at Rees' limping stride and mentally adjusts the time he was going to give. ... 4 daysss, but if the mountainsss or ssswamp give usss problemsss it could be sssignificantly longer.

GM Brute Squad, I'm just taking a swag based on looking at the map in the Inner Sea World Guide. Let me know if I'm off very much.

Hmm... Ssself ssuppossssesss that if necesssary, Sithis and Self can forage for sssussstenance. However, that would ssslow usss further ssso ssshould be avoided if posssible on the out bound trip.

If the extra 'ss' in the speech bugs anyone, just let me know and I will stop. Just seemed fitting for a Nagaji character.

Marla nods and puts the letter into a pouch. As they set out on the road, Brak is carrying most of Marla's gear. She retains her weapons - a crossbow, a dagger and a battleaxe, and her book and writing implements. She pauses when the party exits the gates of Absalom and makes a note in her book.

The Carionlands is a desolate and broken land. You are glad to see the forest rise up before you. After some time in the forest, you hear the distinct sound of hooves approaching your location.

Sierra is only glad to get out of the city and once they have left the gates she brightens up considerably. There were too many people in absolom she thought. It was a much better life in the type of small community she grew up in, peaceful and everyone knew each other. Until that day.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26
"Paladin Guisarde, pleasure to meet you." she says to Rees when she sees him, hoping to make a good impression, "we are here to ensure your safety, upon my honour as a pathfinder I swear to see this deal approved for the Lodge." She hopes he doesn't think her without skill because of her age. She was more mature than most girls her age aswell, at least her brother Florentine had told her before leaving on his mission. "What kind of relic are we suspecting to retrieve? "

The seemingly endless carrionlands quickly saps all the friendly conversation that Sierra can muster and for the most part she is silent. When the forest is seen she smiles again and picks up her pace slightly. "Ah the colour of nature, alive again. So much more energizing than that," she says looking behind her once more, trying to get a glimpse of the city long left behind, [b]"so much is different than the trees from home.
Survival: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14
She looks out every now and then for evidence of other creatures, especially larger ones, that have passed through recently. At the sound of hoofs she turns towards it, pulling out her bow and an arrow, aiming at the ground but ready just in case. Looking closely at Sierra will show how calm she is attempting be.

Selter raises a hand Hold up, ssomething comesss. Sssuggessst all take cover in the foressst treesss in cassse unfriendly typess.

perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22
survival: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12
Attempting to determine direction, numbers, and distance.

When everyone else has removed themselves from the road, Selter also moves into hiding.
stealth: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17

Tortella hears the familiar sound and questions, "Horses... eat?" The words tumble from his mouth like scraps from a giant's maw.
On Selter's suggestion, he shuffles off into the trees to hide.
Stealth: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18

This cold, damp island, thought Acenith, I don't know how they cope with it. Why did I ever leave Sothis?

"You enjoy the outdoors do you, Sierra? I prefer civilisation myself and Absalom is a fine city. where did you grow up? You're very young to be away from home."

Before Sierra can answer the call goes up. Acenith draws her sword and moves off the path.

Stealth 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (18) - 1 = 17

"Sierra, Marla, Brak - get off the road. Sago knows what he's talking about"

Everyone but Sierra vanishes into the brush.

Soon three figures emerge from the forest, halting when they see the paladin. The bodies of horses glistening in the sunlight, with the bare chest of a man in place of the head. The Centaurs carry spears and are painted for the hunt.

One of them calls in a deep rolling voice, Hail traveler! A long way from the city to be traveling alone. These parts are not safe, least of all now. What brings you in to the forest alone?

A speaker I am not. I'll just wait here quietly to see how she does. If the horse-mans want to start trouble... Well, then I guess, things ccould change.

Selter and Sithiss remain hidden in the forest. However, they are ready to support Sierra if it looks like she needs help.

Brak grasps the haft of his axe and puts his hand on Marla's arm.

He and Marla joins the others in concealing themselves in the trees.