Delta Force Orders from the Gate PFS PBP Gameday V (Inactive)

Game Master Curaigh

Delta Force (formerly middle table :)

"Welcome Pathfinders," a clerk says and removes a large pirate hat with a long frond of seaweed where the feather should be. "Please come in and introduce yourself. Your Venture Captain is on a schedule and will be here shortly."

The room is typical of a Pathfinder lodge: a large wooden table with a pewter bowl of fruit, small windows unshuttered to let the light in, several chairs, perches, and rugs for comfortable seating of all kinds.

Please give us a description of your character and introduce yourself. This will dot the thread so it shows up in your Campaigns tag even though we won't go much farther before the 27th. Welcome :)

A tiefling dressed in black and red armor and apparel rises. He is somewhat short in stature (5' tall), but broad shouldered and with a powerful presence about him. "Milton Smithson, I am named. Paladin of the Prince of Contracts and barrister at large." He scans the assemblage, "I do not see any faces that I recognize, but that is the life we Pathfinders have chosen, is it not? I was just on a mission with my good friends Kyra and Oloch and have hardly had a chance to catch up on my sleep before I was summoned to lead some new expedition. Well, one cannot expect that public recognition as a hero among Pathfinders can lead to anything but further responsibilities and accolades."

Milton addresses the clerk, "fruit, but no nuts? What manner of uncivilized place is this? Can you at least procure a Sargavan Red for a thirsty palate?" Milton takes a seat. As he does so, the manacles at his waist rattle against his cold iron heavy mace. He pats the weapon affectionately, "great against demons you know. Allow me to tell you about the time I lead armies of Mendevian crusaders against the forces of chaos and evil."

Pay no attention to the Avatar I've chosen here, use the link above to get to a picture I had drawn of Milton.

A dwarf clad in full plate armor comes into the room, holding a piece of paper that most likely was the message that summoned him here. He looks lost, confused, or possibly both. Hey, red fella? Is this here the place that us Pathfinder folk are su'pose ta be at?

Can you connect the discussion thread?

August! You idiot! You are in the wrong place! This is MY mission. Get lost before I sick my cat on you! An elf comes in, slaps the fighter in the face and then dismissively waves his hand. I said go!

Swapping August for this guy. Nivik was signed up for a game that ended up being tier 8-9. August will fare better there while this low-tier is more suited for Nivik.

Milton nods. "You certainly know the right way to treat your inferiors. What is your name elf?"

Nivik Klist. The elf is blunt and to the point, offering no more information at this point in time.

An Ulfen man with brown hair and a beard enters the room. "Sorry for being late. I had an encounter with a tribe of Taer in the Fog Peaks highlands. Well, they left some scars on my skin, but I left more on theirs."

You can see that he's big and sturdy, with more hair than usual, even for an Ulfen.

"My name is Ragnar." the man says and grabs an apple.

Discussion thread now active. Please check in. Also my GM Avatar has some useful PbP links in the profile.

Without looking up from the book he is reading, the slender human navigates right up to the clerk to check-in. "Fendel Meniska, Liberty's Edge. Good day everyone, well met I'm sure." He moves to a seat as he scribbles notes into the margin of the text. He briefly scans the room, giving each occupant a moment of focused attention. Afterwards, he nods to himself as if he has confirmed something and returns to the latest Gazetteer. Speaking quietly to himself,"No, no. they got that wrong too. I simply cannot understand how they can release these publications with so many errors. Don't they believe in accuracy?"

"Liberty's Edge huh?" Milton considers this information, "I shall have to keep a close eye on this one. Those freedom lovers are rarely to be trusted with important matters. Who knows how this mission can be damaged by one of such spurious beliefs, but I am certain that is his intent."

While reading and taking notes, the lightly armor clad human's agile mind starts to categorize the others Pathfinders present.

No first-timers, and if they were field commissioned they have been around a while. All seem to be seasoned and capable. Of course so does everyone out of the field.

The elf is entitled and arrogant. Raised wealthy, possibly with servants. How ironic he has dirt under his nails, and there is a whiff of bat guano there. Just got his new fireball spell not too long ago, and can't wait to use it. Is that… sulfur? He tosses around a lot of flame. He does not seem to have a large regard for others, at least not other arcane casters. Going to have to watch my proximity in combat. Hope he’s no too anxious to impress us all. He’s also quiet and direct. That comes from hours of dedicated study or research. Most likely a wizard then. Hmm, where's his cat? Used to being the smartest one in the room, does not like to have errors pointed out. Possible conflict if he thinks his intellect is being questioned. He put time and effort to get here. He will have little respect for a sorcerer or a witch as they 'cheat the system. Though it's doubtful he would be outright rude to a witch. It would be interesting to see how he would handle an arcanist.

It’s no surprise the Ulfen likes to talk of prior conquests. As a culture they do not tend to exaggerate, so his boast is not too far from the truth. Calluses on his fingers and small missing patch of beard hair from his right cheek denotes repeated physical trauma. A bow string would do that. Pegs him as an archer, right-handed. No animal with him, so a woodsman who is self-reliant. Probably a skilled tactician, but he might find it difficult to coordinate in the heat of the moment. Given the rugged nature of outdoor survival, he will most likely to listen to reason and deal with facts or common sense. His time in the woods should allow him to adapt well to the unexpected.

Holy symbol on the tabard screams religious zealot. Uhg! Divine caster to be sure. Will refer to doctrine as fact despite any strong evidence to the contrary. Asmodean with a mace and shackles means a priest, maybe a warpriest, nah. What’s the math on that? Forty percent chance he’s a cleric, twenty-seven percent an inquisitor, thirteen percent chance he’s an oracle, eleven-ish pecent he’s a warpriest, and less than ten he’s an actual paladin. Does Asmodeus even have any paladins? Going to have to research the archives. In any case, I hope he channels positive energy. A tiefling, so more than likely highly intelligent. Perhaps smarter than me if he was an arcane caster. He will look to take charge in the name of his faith. Usually a strong personality and no stranger to social situations. Is that a smirk? He will try to position himself above other by pointing out any errors, mistakes, or shortcomings, but conveniently less … reflective when it comes to himself. That said, he will be certain to follow the exact assignment we are given, with virtually no room for deviation. However, he may be swayed if he wants to be. Just have to be creative in how the new course of action fits the ‘contract’, how the situation falls outside the scope and/or purview of the stated accord, or at the very least does not violate the original agreement. He knows his wine. I wonder if he drinks to excess.

Well, we have a team of four. Recent events and Society missions point to one or two more being assigned to us. Gonna be a while.

Still making notes, Fendel asks, "Why nuts Milton? I am just wondering if it's a dietary need or a religious tenet. I have met others in the Society who avoid meat and find the protein they require in nuts."

Having finished telling the stories of the dead crusaders and how well he lead them into battle, Milton took a moment to understand the question, "it is not so much that I enjoy nuts, it is simply that one often finds nuts and fruits presented together, both in reality and as an allegory. The fruit, and the wines and such that can be produced from it, represent the finer things in life, the sweetness, the refinement. Whereas the nuts, the nuts are the more gravelly common fare. One could, presumably, survive on just nuts, but what would be the point. Without the fruits, what would be the point to the nuts. And likewise, if all you had was fruit, one might not recognize their superior taste without the crunch and commonness of the nuts. This is much the same as the Society. You humans," Milton gestures to Ragnar and Fendel, "are baseborn nuts upon which the Society is founded, but it is only with the addition of the more refined elements, represented by the fruit here, that the Society reaches its full potential. And so, we need one another. I need such as you to form the basis of my team, to possibly be crushed under the heels of our enemies, and of course remembered in the years to come, but you need me, because without me, well, without me, you would be aimless in the sea of desolation that the Society finds itself in. I am proud to have the opportunity to associate with you and work towards the Society's goals. Only by combining our talents can we fulfill the Compact that we all agreed to, and to follow the tenants of our Order to 'Explore, Report, and Cooperate.'"

"Given you are an agent of faith, I am surprised by your analogy. You postulate one's race determines their baseness, thus their value, regardless of other factors. Would you imply that Queen Abrogail the Second of House Thrune as a 'baseborn human'? I believe she would take exception to that."

"Most Pathfinders are selected because they demonstrate something that separates them from the rest of the populace. Skill and breeding serving to 'ripen' the individual. Perhaps your metaphor would be more accurate if you spoke to the rarity or availability of certain types of fruit. Most every child has swung a banana like a sword or dagger thinking they would be proficient with such a weapon, much like many who hold a sword believe they are a trained duelist. There are tens of thousands of these men for every Aldori Swordlord. Similarly, there are crates of bunched of bananas arriving on the docks everyday, while something like a plantain is far less common. Keep in mind, the more exotic the fruit, the fewer recipes there are for it, as it may not interact well with other ingredients."

While your comparison falls short, I believe I understand what you are trying to say, 'variety is the spice of life'. For the record, average nuts of all types remain viable much longer than other foods. In addition to bruising easily, most fruit rots and dies in a mere few weeks time. I do hope you plan on being around much longer than a few weeks Milton. I sense you have a refined palette and would enjoy sharing a bottle of that Sargavan Red."

Milton smiled at Fendel's objection, "I fear you have inferred more than I meant to imply about your own situation. You inferred that I meant all humans are as base as the two of you. Such was not my intention. Painting with such a broad brush is not my way. I meant simply that which I stated."

Milton picked up the half finished carafe of wine and swirled it briefly testing its weight. He extended the bottle, "I see no reason that you should not be permitted to enjoy the dregs."

I do not want to be around when his mirror finally shatters. It will not be a pretty sight!

Accepting the proffered distillation, Fendel advises, "Perhaps you should avoid painting all together. It does not seem to be your forte."

"Hmmmm.. 'variety is the spice of life'. Then well perhaps a tengu would join this merry band?"

Tengu. Probably used to stereotypes and intolerance. Traditionally a tight-knit, tribal community. May look to the Society as an 'adopted' tribe. Short bow is ineffective at range. No smell of horse, so not not likely to be shooting from a saddle. It's a back-up weapon. He's not going to overpower an opponent with a wakizashi. He relies on grace and finesse. Likely a close up striker who looks to take advantage of a combatant's vulnerabilities.

Fendel bows his head slightly, "Go aisatsu to aisatsu watashi no atarashī yūjin."

"By all means, please join us. There is still a little wine left if Milton will part with it."

Sensing the meeting time is near, Fendel removes a small jar from his pack and liberally smears a viscus green material around his eyes and behind his ears. There is a slight scent of eucalyptus mixed with mint. His eyes redden slightly as he seals the jar and returns it to the top of his pack. After closing the backpack, he reopens it and removes a pile of tomes and sets them on the table before him. Finally, as the meeting starts, he pulls out two vials from a belt pouch. He unstops the corks and drinks the contents in rapid sucession, replacing the vials to the pouch with practiced precision. His muscles seem to atrophy slightly, although Fendel shows no concern over this development.

Clear Ear adds a +2 alchemical bonus to Perception and Knowledge checks for six hours (and a -2 to CHA related checks) the Pathfinder Chronicles add a +2 circumstance bonus to Knowledge checks (takes 1d4 rounds to use). The first vial was the extract Heightened Awareness, adding a +2 competence bonus to Perception and Knowledge skills. The second vial was Cognatogen, which raises his INT to 26 (and his AC to 24), but reducing his STR to 10. Perception is now +27, Sense Motive is now +18 and Knowledge skills are now an additional +10 and I add 1d6 of Inspiration for free. {Investigator}.

We begin the tale in the Heidmarch Lodge in Magnimar.

Rain patters outside the windows of Venture-Captain Sheila Heidmarch’s study in Magnimar. Zarta Dralneen, leader of the Dark Archive, also waits nearby with a glass of red wine in her hand and a thoughtful look on her face.

“Greetings, Pathfinders,” the venture-captain begins. “We have an important mission for you inside Cheliax. Several days ago, we received word that the Hellknights of the Order of the Gate issued a call for aid at the Menador Gap. Apparently Chelish forces are spread thin these days. Imagine their surprise when we volunteered to help.”

“As I’m sure you know,” Zarta cuts in, “the Society has enjoyed few opportunities to explore Cheliax since the shuttering of the Delvehaven lodge in Westcrown decades ago. Luckily, we still had a Pathfinder agent in the country, an eccentric man by the name of Olandil. He has been gathering and protecting Pathfinder Society records and creating a journal of historically valuable sites within Cheliax that remain unexplored. For years, an embargo trapped Olandil in the port town of Pezzack, but a group of your fellow agents recently arranged for his escape. As it happens, one of the sites in Olandil’s journal lies close to the Menador Gap. Called The Temple of the Sky, this site supposedly contains a host of magical pillars that hold ancient knowledge. I’m sure you’ll agree that such knowledge is best kept safe within the Dark Archives, which is why we would like you to obtain a transcription of each pillar."

“Equally important to recovering these tablets,” Zarta continues, “is your mission to aid the Hellknights in securing the Menador Mountains. The details are vague, but we are told that the diviners of their order determined that a chaotic catastrophe is brewing somewhere in the peaks, and we suspect orcs are involved. Pathfinders, myself included, have come into conflict with Hellknights in the past, but they are still useful allies who share a number of our goals. Helping eliminate the threat will strengthen our alliance and ensure Hellknight aid in the future.”

The venture-captain adds, “I have arranged for a teleport spell to take you directly to the Hellknight expedition. Hellknights are not known for their patience. Please make your necessary preparations and return here as soon as possible.”

Knowledge (local)

Knowledge (geography) a second Kn (local) can also be used

Fendel quickly flips through two of the tomes before him. rounds: 2d4 ⇒ (3, 3) = 6 About a minute later, he shares what he knows with those gathered around the table.

Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 28 + 1d6 ⇒ (7) + 28 + (4) = 39

Knowledge (geography): 1d20 + 27 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + 27 + (5) = 35

As he speaks, Fendel makes certain to look all parties in the eye to ensure they understand the information being disseminated.

Milton nods to Zarta, "Of course I agree that the Dark Archive is the best repository for such knowledge. As a native of Cheliax, and a Paladin of Asmodeus, it is easy to understand why I have been chosen to lead this mission." He points at Fendel, "your knowledge is impressive, it is also obvious why you are along. We can assume that similarly useful skills will be found that the others possess. Still, I must ask, is there a longer term goal for the Society? Possibly renewed ties and opportunities within Cheliax?"

As he starts to pack up the well used tomes, Fendel points out, "Thank you Milton. While I appreciate your acknowledgement, I must point out that I did not hear anyone appointed as 'leader'. However, your time and experience in Cheliax will be of some use to us. I have no doubt your faith and service to Asmodeus will be a tremendous asset to the Society's endeavor.
Fendel looks to the group,"Our priority here is the Hellknights. If we win their trust, it will make gathering the transcriptions all the easier." Fendel points at Milton,"You should be in charge of that. I believe your eloquence will be most valuable in that role. That stated, the Order of the Gate must be successful. No matter our personal politics, the laws of Cheliax grant that nation stability. Should the pass fall, the resulting chaos would be devastating."

"As you say Fendel, no one said "leader," but you prove why it is me by your own words. The chief portion of this mission involves the Hellknights, and your reasoning is sound as to why I am to lead this mission. Your acquiescence in that regard is noted and appreciated. As if that were not enough, your second point drives home even more why I am leading this mission. Who better than a Chelish barrister and Paladin of Asmodeus to ensure and observe that the laws of Cheliax are followed? The Society likely scrubbed its entire membership to ensure that the proper team was assembled and with the proper leader. The success of this mission is ensured from the start."

Knowledge will be of great importance. I have no problems allowing either of you to take the lead in our quest. Just be sure to be direct and confident in your decisions.

"That will not be a problem. Before we go, I must ask, does everyone have a heal stick? My healing abilities, are best when used on myself, so I want to ensure we have a method for keeping the group in tiptop shape in the unlikely event that diplomacy fails and conflict ensues."

"Oh Milton, I like you, I really do. Your wordplay is cute, with all the talking in circles that go nowhere and mean nothing would be an otherwise pleasant distraction if we had more time. However, time is short, so I will speak to this very clearly so even you can understand. Every agent on this assignment is of equal rank. There is not going to be a leader. We make decisions by consensus as usual. I hope you can agree to that. The less time we spend baby-sitting egos, the more time we have to get our mission completed."

Addressing the team, "We have to trust one another out there. Milton is right about the healing. I suggest everyone also have a away to deal with any conditions we may face in the mountain, such as extreme temperatures or snow covered trails. And please, please bring some rope."

"I don't deny that all are of equal rank. The Society has no sensible system for distinguishing among its agents like the Aspis Consortium does. I am certainly an adherent of the triple tenants to explore, report, and cooperate, but sitting around counting ballots may work for the foolish Andorans in the short run, but in a crisis situation, strong central leadership is key to survival. I find it ironic that you continually agree with all of my suggestions and admire my skills, but that you keep denying the natural conclusion that they lead to. Not surprising, I suppose. We shall see how well your counting of noses works when we are presented with difficulties."

Nivik will obtain a wand of Cure Light Wounds as requested. However, if you all do your job I won't need to be healed. He'll also obtain a wand of Endure Elements.

I'm actually surprised I haven't done this yet on this PC. I'm glad it came up. I'll use PPs for the purchases.

Know Local: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

know loca: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

"Hmmm...I'll stay in the back and maybe ease our passage if needed. Cheliax's laws can be over bearing at times!

"Unfortunately bird, while as the leader, I might be inclined to approve your reasonable suggestion, according to 'Mr. Democracy' over there, that tactic will need to receive a consensus approval in order to be enacted. Apparently, we can't just have any individual deciding things for themselves."

With an extended closing of his eyes and a deep calming exhalation, Fendel thinks to himself, This is going to be a long mission.

Muttering under his breath, " 'Stay in Absalom' they said 'Marry into the Blakros family' they said. 'No, how could I give up travelling the world and meeting people?' Passed up on a life of comfortable affluence for this. Good job Fen, you're a moron."

Perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (18) + 14 = 32

"It's not your fault, on average, someone had to be of below average intelligence."

Milton gives a hearty laugh, one that might not be out of place at a good stake burning, crucifixion, or beheading.

"Seriously though, the Society rarely accepts true morons into its ranks. It is more likely that you are highly intelligent and just lack common sense, don't you think?"

Yep...one...long...mission.

If you two are done bonding, we should be on our way. You should get on fine with the Hellknights, however.

"If you two agents are done," Venture Captain Heidmarch inflects her rank into her tone, "The Hellknights are in charge. We Pathfinders are aiding them on their mission in Hellknight's home field.

VC Heidmarch puts down her wine and signals to a servant who runs off. "You shall leave within the hour." With that she rolling her eyes and leaves, Zarta following shortly after.

The servant returns with the two wands [ooc]and anything else wanted[/b] forty minutes later. He also brings in a robed halfling who instructs everyone to take his hand. He starts to cant and suddenly the world is spinning. With a small pop the rainy day of Magnimar is replaced by clear mountain air. The party now stands in a small clearing in the midst of a field of boulders and hoary trees. To the north, the ground slants sharply upward and leads into mountainous peaks of jagged rocks. Roiling black clouds are gathered behind the peaks and the region is filled with a hushed quiet.

Ten men and woman all wearing red robes and identical steal masks engraved with a swirling vortex pattern stand about. The Hellknight expedition waits in the clearing, oiling swords and reviewing spellbooks. The eleventh stands up and moves to he pathfinders. She is slightly shorter than the others and a hint of dark hair is visible from under her steel masks.

She stops in front of you as if expecting something, but then a commanding voice pierces the quiet.
“Pathfinders. My name is Signifer Karva and I am in charge of this expedition. The Order of the Gate doesn’t often work with your organization. Under different circumstances, we could have even been enemies. But today that is not so—we share the common purpose of restoring order to this region. Know that at my command, my Hellknights will sacrifice their lives to accomplish this mission, and I expect no less from you. If you truly wish to return home safely, obey my commands and heed your duties.“

Again she stops as if waiting for something, but interrupts with a commanding voice, "Any questions?"

Ka kaw stares at the ground.

"No...no questions"

This will be a fun mission..what am I getting into

"I admire your forthrightness Signifer. I have commanded armies in battle myself, and the willingness of those crusaders to die for the cause was as staunch as your Hellknights. Many Pathfinders fell on those fields that day. You will find that we too are willing to lay down our lives to support the mission assigned to us. It is my honor to be called upon to take up arms in defense of my mother country. Our nation's Infernal benefactor, Asmodeus has clearly moved things to bring me to this place, at this time, and with these others in service to Her Infernal Majestrix and the Realm. What are your order sir?"

Nivik will use his wand of Mage Armor once needed. Otherwise he will watch and observe.

The signifier responds in a matter of fact tone. "Our diviners received troubling visions of scarred orcs covered with strange runes, piles of heaped skulls, and swarms of wriggling worms. Worse still, the diviners sense that the chaotic taint is growing stronger. Our orders are to investigate.” As she speaks the others begin packing their things away.

"We are to restore order to an area increasing chaos. “The source of the chaos is unknown, but we suspect it’s an incursion of planar beasts or undead working in league with a tribe of orcs called the Severed Hand."

She points toward some peaks where dark clouds roil. “The Severed Hand tribe lives deep in the mountains, roughly a two-day march from here. Our patrols seldom come out this far, so we will be in untamed wilderness for most of the expedition. There is a small peak called Gozreh’s Fork near the edge of the tribe’s territory that offers a good view of the region. We will head there first to get a grasp of where things stand in the mountains.“ The others are ready to go as she finishes. "We march. Step in where you may." She offers to answer any other questions while walking however.

The map is active, please add your avatar to it (link above my avatar). Instructions are in my GM profile if you need, but to feel free to ask questions.

Completely unsure/unable how to do that in my iPad, can somebody add me please?

"What can you tell us about these Severed Head orcs? Have you any idea what sorts of planar beasts and undead might be involved?"

One of the heavily armored Hellknights steps from formation. "Aspexia" he salutes by way of introduction. "The diviners have not found anything so specific. The nature of the chaos suggests the planar beings or undead necromancy." He gestures at the wilderness with a holy symbol of Asmodeus. "Orcs thrive outside the cities. These mountains are wild. We only know these orcs are scarred with runes and appear in a lot of divinitaions about the chaos. The cleric steps back into order after answering the questions. When your done, not necessarily just because he completed a line of dialogue. :)

No rush, get to the map when you get a chance.

I got you on the map Milton.

Orcs rise up every generation or so, but this seems like something more. Who benefits from controlling this gap? About 150 to 200 miles to the border. With current information, it looks like a thirty-eight percent chance its actually an incursion, seventeen percent chance is someone taking political action without authorization, fifteen percent its an outside force. Thirty percent unknown. We know too little. I doubt the troops will have greater intelligence, or if they do, unlikely to readily share it with us.

"Signifier Karva, given our proximity to Nidal, do you expect their involvement? It would certainly point toward the presence of undead. After we eliminate some of these orcs, I would be honored to examine their runes in an effort to find out who is behind this. Certainly the orc would not be so brazen without the collusion of a third party."

Orcs and undead. Well, they'll burn easily enough.

"I like your way of thinking Elf. Do you happen to follow Asmodeus? And if not, I would like to discuss with you the merits of converting to the Prince of Contracts." Milton searches his pockets briefly before he pulls forth a multicolored trifold and extends it to Nivik, "here, read this pamphlet. I would be happy to discuss it with you in our free time."

I have no time for religion.

"I shall remember that."

"Want to scout ahead boss?"

"Time to vote on it, I suppose."