BrOp's PFS #7-05 School of Spirits (Inactive)

Game Master Branding Opportunity

"You're an expert on what's evil then?"

"No, but I am an expert in collating facts, and here they are." Davnet raises his voice unintentionally as he states his case, ticking off the points on his fingers.

"One: We are here to help J. Two: J has asked us to help Grishan. Three: Grishan has stated that his solace is to be found near a red lion - almost certainly that red lion over there." He indicates the statue behind the ghoran.

"Four: the ghoran apparently will not allow us to accomplish this willingly. So, do we waste even more time shopping for presents for the local flora, on the off-chance that it will appease the creature? And perhaps still be stuck here still searching when the darkness comes and brings a pack of ghouls? Or, do we deal with the situation as it is presented?"

Realizing he is losing his calm, he abruptly changes tone. "Sorry, I do not always understand the motivations or feelings of creatures from this plane. I do not think that appeasement will get us very far with this creature, given that it seems to think we are people who we are not."

At Sadrock's words, Davnet nods. "Leaving a creature like this unbound is dangerous to the people of Absalom. Appeasing it to get what we want - which is far from certain anyway - and leaving it to harass others later is *certainly* not the 'greater good'."

Ooc, i've got my popcorn, ready to watch what happens next in the gardens.

At Sadrock's words, Davnet nods. "Leaving a creature like this unbound is dangerous to the people of Absalom."

"The same is said about Fetchlings. There sure is a lot of common ground between it and your race. Both changed due to the lack of sunlight. Are you sure you aren't projecting your own self hatred to this being?"

As Leia and Egmund slowly back out of the room, and Sad Rock stands in front of J to protect her, Lilybeth and Davnet continue their disagreement on how to best deal with the ghoran. Still seeming quite disturbed by your presence, she casts a spell, causing the existing flora in the area to nearly triple in size and tough-looking vines to sprout from nearly every surface. The entire greenhouse as well the hallway are now quite difficult to move through. She also pulls out a vial from a pouch and looks on the verge of drinking it. Movement for everyone drops to 5'. You're still not in combat, but she just took a full round worth of actions.

As Leia and Egmund slowly back out of the room, and Sad Rock stands in front of J to protect her, Lilybeth and Davnet continue their disagreement on how to best deal with the ghoran.

AFAIK, Lilybeth was arguing from outside the room as she was the first to exit.

AFAIK, Lilybeth was arguing from outside the room as she was the first to exit.

OK, I missed that. In that case you're all probably standing outside the room in the hallway. In any case, the plants that sprang up are in the hallway as well.

Lilybeth is moving as fast as possible towards the exit of the gardencomplex.

Yup, likewise w/ leia, Checking J's safety and guarding her retreat, then moving out.

"Come on J. Things are getting a little too hairy in here. "

Egmund sticks with the rest of the group while ensuring that Junia is always protected.

This is one time where a map would have been helpful. Or did I miss a link or image? (oops if I did) I imagined us discussing things away from the bad stuff, but now we're in the middle of it. Tis one of the dangers of PbP. People can visualize differently.

Sad Rock backs J out of the area.

1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29 Know (Nature)

"Yeah, we not go here. Bad plants like Sad said. Calistrian want to be nice to bad plant, but bad plant, like celery is bad plant," Sad grumbles. "But no one listen to Sad Rock. They say 'Sad Rock is monster,' but Sad *not* monster. Sad know bad plant. Sad know."

Sad continues to move J out of the affected/threatened area.

This is one time where a map would have been helpful. Or did I miss a link or image? (oops if I did) I imagined us discussing things away from the bad stuff, but now we're in the middle of it. Tis one of the dangers of PbP. People can visualize differently.

And if it's a nice map I think it also helps with immersion! :-) The danger is that people do tend to go tactical/combat mode when they see a map though...

"The same is said about Fetchlings. There sure is a lot of common ground between it and your race. "

Davnet regards Lilybeth with a cold stare. "Am I correct in understanding you liken me to an unnatural plant, animated by the fell necromantic energies released when hundreds of children drowned?"

... which as a player I LOVE! :)

"So, let us hear your plan, then, human. How will you resolve the contradictions of this situation? Who will you disappoint, J and Grishan, who it is our DUTY to aid, or a plant creature you just met..."

As the creature casts a spell, Davnet stops talking suddenly. Spellcraft: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18 "Excellent!" he calls after the rapidly-departing Lilybeth."Your leafy new friend has made it more difficult for us to fulfill our promise to J."

Davnet turns to the plant thing. "Master Gardener, we mean you no harm, and only wish to explore your... beautiful?... domain to aid our friends. Please do not act rashly, as we do not wish to cause you pain."

At this point, I'd like to ready an action to summon a fiendish eagle as a standard action if it makes any hostile move towards anyone. I'm fine with it drinking the potion, but any actual threat is what I'm looking for. We probably need initiative, if you don't allow readying outside of it.

Lilybeth Zey wrote:

"The same is said about Fetchlings. There sure is a lot of common ground between it and your race. "

Davnet regards Lilybeth with a cold stare. "Am I correct in understanding you liken me to an unnatural plant, animated by the fell necromantic energies released when hundreds of children drowned?"

"A Ghoran is a rare plant creature originally grown by a mad druid in Nex. They are not inherently evil and are grow like normal plants from seeds. They are very, very rare outside of Nex. This sentient being was probably part of the Arboretum Arcadis before the earthquake hit. It seems to be a bit out of its mind. This might be due to the corrupting influence of the magical rain that falls throughout the garden. Fresh water might bring it clarity.”

Lilybeth sighs.

”If being mentally challenged was a capital offense, our expedition party wouldn’t be of legal size!”

"Fresh water? Like this waterskin full I carry? No need to leave for that. Perhaps discussing these things openly would have prevented the situation."

Davnet removes his waterskin and opens it, letting a small amount dribble out. "Maste Gardener, my colleague tells me you may wish some fresh water. I would be happy to share mine with you, if you desire it." Davnet will approach and hand the water to the ghoran, if it accepts it.

Taking a queue from the Wise Davnet, Sad Rock points his finger, utters an incantation of divine power and shoots streams of fresh water about. Create Water, 8 gallons.

"Sad have water too. Good water, not yucky dead school water," Sad says proudly. His oread's brow is knit with concentration as he sprays, his mouth upturned with a brief spate of joy.

It seems you are trying to reason with it. Would one of you care to make another Diplomacy check? The others can assist.

A map isn't really necessary right now. It's basically a 10' hallway that opens on its side into an octagonal room that's 50' across. Those closest to the ghoran are currently standing about 20' from her.

Sad Rock shoots more water around...

1d20 - 2 ⇒ (5) - 2 = 3 Diplomacy to assist

...but does so in a dickish and unhelpful manner.

diplomacy: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (3) + 16 = 19

"We are not harvesters. We're just here to retrieve an item. If you would be so kind to give the relevant item, we'll do our best to help you in any way we can.

"We don't mean you any harm. please, just hear us out."

leia attempts to assist.
diplomacy: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15

"We are not here to harm or to harvest. We are here to help two of those who were here when disaster struck this place long ago. We are searching the grounds to give them closure and free them from the past. One seeks a package that might be near the red lion in your room. It was very important to him once. The other seeks understanding. We would not fight unless made to do so. Please don't make us.", Egmund says with fragile hope.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (18) + 16 = 34

At the sound of Egmund's voice, the ghoran calms down considerably, but still looks confused.

"You are not ... Harvesters? This is not the Green Home?" She shakes her head, seemingly trying to clear her head.

"You seek a package from the past in the Red Lion, you say? I will let you, human, approach," she says pointing to Egmund, "but do not touch the raised beds. The fountain is yours to explore if you keep your promise."

You can search the Red Lion statue in the middle of the working fountain without approaching the raised beds.

The ghoran now takes a better look at the party, looking at your with considerable curiosity. "You are a strange collection of plants, quite a variety. Is that normal here in this land?"

Sad looks to Eggman, then to Leia, wondering who will be speaking for them. He remains on alert next to J. He does not trust the bad celery plant.

"You are in Absalom, the City at the Center of the World. "

I could get out a chronicle with a map of the world, but I don't know if this creature would see books as tattooed tree remains. Better keep all books in my backpack.

The ghoran now takes a better look at the party, looking at your with considerable curiosity. "You are a strange collection of plants, quite a variety. Is that normal here in this land?"

"Two humans, one half-elf, one oread and one fetchling. That's actually quite normal!"

Davnet watches and waits, content that the group has not decided to leave.

suggest taking 20 ?

"Perhaps Master Gardener, Lilybeth could have a look at the fountain? She's a smidge more observant."

diplomacy: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22

Sensing something gravely wrong, something very very out of place, Sad Rock moves his stony left hand back...back and to the right, into a position to scratch his ass and set the trajectory of the world right once again.

Ahhhh...

"Perhaps Master Gardener, Lilybeth could have a look at the fountain? She's a smidge more observant."

"I'm quite thorough indeed. If you let me do the searching, we'd be out of your hair vines fasters!"

diplomacy: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (18) + 16 = 34

assuming the ghoran allows Lilybeth to do the searching

perception Lilybeth: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24
perception familiar (assist): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23

So a total of 26

Advancing the story a bit just to keep things moving ...

The ghoran seems willing to let Lilybeth search the fountain with its red lion statue. After poking around a bit (and stepping into the fountain, which is dribbling wretched-looking water, she tips the statue over a bit and realizes it is is hollow. Inside she finds a battered and faded package carefully wrapped in yellowing wax paper.

The Master Gardener nods at the party's answers. "And this place, Absalom, would it be willing to accept my kind or would we be harvested here as well?"

"Well, Absalom is a very big city, so there are some unsavory elements, but eating sentient beings is not something I have heard of. If you'd like we could vouch for your safety at the Grand Lodge! It's gardens are quite stunning and there are many druids in the Pathfinder Society that would love to help you. Oh, and there's actual real sunlight!"

"If they would accept my kind, a notorious enemy of humanity, I am sure hey would accept you as well, Master Gardener!"

The ghoran seems a bit unsure and suspicious at your answers. "We will see, we will see. I must first attend to my companions. I might contact this Pathfinder Society when we are ready."

Egmund lets out a sigh of relief as it seems that the tensions are fading.

Sad Rock watches and waits. He is sure impending doom comes: either in the form of an evil celery plant or another tickle from his itchy ass. Both hands, either with club or stony fingers stand ready against either threat.

The ghoran seems a bit unsure and suspicious at your answers. "We will see, we will see. I must first attend to my companions. I might contact this Pathfinder Society when we are ready."

"We do need continue our quest, but we'll stay in touch! When you're ready, just let us know!"

Lilybeth brings the package over to J.

Sad Rock backs out of the area, keeping his eyes on bad celery plant and keeping J safe. When they leave the gardens, he begins to walk to their actual destination, the Underwater Center For Children Who Can't Swim So Good And Wanna Learn To Die Horribly Good Too.

Davnet nods to the Ghoran. "If you seek an accepting friend in the Pathfinder Society, I suggest you visit Kaleel's Curiosities, in the Coins District. The proprietor, Aram, and his son Majeare will be happy to provide a friendly introduction to the Society."

Davnet bows to the ghoran and follows the group outside.

The ghoran seems quite relieved as you exit her growing house. "I ask you to please keep my presence here a secret for the next few months. After this, I will go to the agencies you have mentioned and petition the Absalom government to accept us and perhaps do something about my brothers and sisters still trapped in Nex." After this, she goes back to work tending to the plants.

------

You quickly make your way out of the Arboretum Arcanis, thoroughly damp from the foul fluid that had been raining on your inside the structure.

J takes the package from Lilybeth once you are outside in the fresh air again. Immediately, Grishan "steps out" of the young woman. "Yes, yes, I think that this is it. Please open it quickly." he says to her.

She carefully cuts its strings with her kukri and unwraps the fading, yellowed wax paper, revealing a small brown, leather pouch. Inside are a number of paper notes, written in tiny, nearly illegible script.

She holds each of them out to Grishan who reads each of them carefully. When he is done, the phantom seems to grow more solid momentarily, his green aura tinged with red. He nods and speaks to all assembled.

"I had forgotten what was in those notes. It is quite disturbing ... who I was ... and what I have become, all to please my brother and his Eagle Knights."

He turns to the Pathfinders, saying: "I thank you for doing this for me. We should now attend to J and her request. I will want to speak to my brother, if he is still alive, but that can wait. You are welcome to the notes, they are no longer of any use to me."

If you read the notes:

The ghoran seems quite relieved as you exit her growing house.

We feel quite relieved as well!

appraise: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15

Just to be clear, you can read the notes even if you don't make the Appraise check.

Appraise: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21

"Grishan... it would seem that this information would be quite damaging to several people. You mention your brother and the Eagle Knights... please tell us more of this issue, so we can decide what to do."

Sad Rock ignores the notes as he is not a note reader, nor noted leader, nor lore keeper; or even a known rote needer or bird seeder, nor was he a breader kneader.

He was a waiter and a guarder. And so he guards.

appraise: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16
k local: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
thinking back, is J an only child? if i can't remember i'll ask.

"J, are you an only child?"

Getting out some chronicles.

knowledge local: 10 + 10 + 2 = 22

"J., could you tell me the last names of Stilonius and Badru? And the first name of the Morilla student?"

"Gloriana Morilla? the taldan noble?"

Egmund is also content to have returned to his role as a guard once more.

"Grishan... it would seem that this information would be quite damaging to several people. You mention your brother and the Eagle Knights... please tell us more of this issue, so we can decide what to do."

Grishan's incorporeal form nods silently.

"My brother, he was everything to me. I adored him and wanted to be just like him when I grew up. He was a member of the Eagle Knights, and one day he approached me and asked if I would snoop around a bit. I knew many people at the Tri-Towers school, and people would often hosted fetes or celebrations at their homes. I simply would take looks around. My brother promised me that the information I discovered would be put to good use and promote the egalitarian ideals of Andoran. I did as he asked and was about to deliver the information I had collected when J and I were trapped by the earthquake."

"J, are you an only child?"

J seems surprised by the question. "Yes I am, why do you ask?"

"J., could you tell me the last names of Stilonius and Badru? And the first name of the Morilla student?"

J looks at Grishan as if the two were conferring. "I'm not sure, it was so long ago. I think Stilonius was Stilonius Morilla. Badru was Badru Ahnkamen, a well-known family of Osirian descent. That's all we can remember."

J then looks at the notes briefly and realizes that two had been pasted together. "Oh, I think there's another note here."

As Grishan reads the third note he grows visibly more "solid" and momentarily glows bright red. He turns from everyone and disappears back into J.

J immediately reacts and begins talking to the phantom. "Grishan, what is it? Why are you upset? Why won't you talk to me?"

Sad Rock listens, waits, and guards.