Destiny of the Sands (Tier 3-4) (Inactive)

Game Master Amsheagar

I am opening this up, please dot away. Will start the game friday.

You are all in the common meeting area of the local pathfinder lodge. You have been summoned and will be informed of your mission shortly. Please introduce yourself and describe what your character looks like.

An elf leaned against the the northern wall of the common area. He had been recently summoned and waited on the others that were surely summoned as well. Not likely for him to accept solo missions. Not that he'd risk accepting such a thing.
The elf stood a little over six feet tall. His build was lithe, as most elves. He was of fair skin, however upon closer inspection, along his bone line were scales, albeit small, the had a light red tone to them.
His eyes held the tones of fire. Each swirled with an orange and red churning motion with the pupil slightly slit.
His hair was black from the roots but came to the tips as a deep crimson.
His clothing was constructed of simple robes made for monks it seemed, of an ashen gray color. An open front exposing his chest while a sash held the rest of it closed. His pants were made of the same fabric, held up with the same sash. The edges of his sleeves and ends of his pants seemed torn and burned, adding further darkening along its seems.
Over his back was a quiver full of arrows, and a finely crafted bow held at his side.
On his sash, a pouch and a few rings made of leather. One such ring held a wand that had seen some use. propped against the wall near him was a banner of sorts. a flag that seemed torn folded along its cross pole.

Sidney showed up, and it was apparent he was a good looking man and knew it. Proud of a well made glaive he had learned to wield, the muscular tanned man with a golden hue to his skin seemed to look around with a vacuous smile. There was warmth, but little intelligence, in his gaze.

Quietly stepping into the lodge's main hall, dressed in what appeared to be fine traveling silks of dark blues and emerald greens. Looking about, then tapping the wide brimmed, plumed hat, the figure's clothes seem to transform. The cowl, covering the traveler's face had become a butterfly hair clip, and the rest of the clothes transformed into a form fitting dark green vest, dark purple harem pants with an orange fire pattern at the bottom of the legs, and a dark blue cloak with stars patterned in the shape of butterflies. At his sides looked two well crafted kukris made of different material, one gleaming in the sunlight with a bright silvery sheen, while the other was a highly polished dull steel color. Dangling on the adventurer's shoulders was also a well made shortbow of a dark wood polished to a shine, as well as a backpack with three compartments.

The figure wasn't tall, standing at about five foot and four inches. He, if one would assume, also seemed quite frail by his looks, and somewhat thin, but with a grace that implied more skill than strength. Auriea's eyes were a piercing blue color, that sometimes crackled with an energy.While there also seemed to be a constant breeze about the man, it seemed that the wind itself was muffling his footsteps with each and every step. Covering his left arm, were what appeared to be tattoos, yet they were constantly moving and changing patterns, always seeming to flow with the wind around him.

"It seems that I'm not the first to arrive from a summons. I Auriea, a humble dancer, greet you all!"

Sweeping his arm low, the Sylph bows to everyone in the room.

"Now, who here has something to eat? I would hope a good wine and maybe some form of meat? I've been eating berries and fruits for weeks, and would love something that isn't from a plant..."

Giving the large Sydny an acknowledging nod, Tyriel turned his attention to the flamboyant sylph. With a tilt of his head, he looked over the oddity with a strange covetousness that could only be described as possessive, like that of a treasured item or secret relic. Quickly shaking his head he snapped his attention from Auriea and looked toward a near by hearth.

"Tyriel."

The elf responded in introduction with a simple statement. He was calm at the moment. His eyes locked to the calming flame.

"I'm sure the retainers can supply you with your needs."

A bald elf enters the room and sits next to the hearth. His movements are carefree yet graceful. He greets everybody cheerfully "Hi dudes! How is it going? I am happy to see you are here Tyriel, we come to work together at last." he looks at the Sylph with admiration and surprise, he has seen the dervish dancer training in the lodge before "It is such an honour to depart on mission with you. I hope you can show me the art of the scimitar dancing during our journey. I was hopping to fuse that style with my arcane studies."

"Thank you Tyriel! Now to find one of those retainers......"

Looking about for a retainer, the Sylph hears the elf's entrance and realizes he was being talked to.

"Ah, um, I myself really don't use a scimitar as I find the blade too heavy for me, but most of what I do can be applied to the dance of the blade. I do have to say though, that those who learn the dance of the scimitar do tend to put more force into their dance than I. As for using it with the arcane, I would find it interesting to watch!"

The bard nods happily, and with a gurgling from his stomach, remembers that he was hungry and hurries about to find a retainer that could get him something to eat.

Auriea isn't the strongest of fighters, but he is rather nimble with his strikes. He's best paired up with a heavy hitter, as he make it easier for the damage dealers to do their thing with Butterfly's Sting. Auriea is a Dervish Dancer, Bard Archetype, and does not possess the Dervish Dance Feat. Oh, but can he dance.....

Sidney smiles and bows:
"I am a magic-user that can fight. And yes, infused with divine blood. But spells that affect mortals still affect me."

He smiles at the small figure. "Auriea, shall we drink and talk of the burden of being gifted with uncommon beauty and magic?"

"Oh, I wouldn't call it a burden per se, but it can sometimes can be an annoyance at times. As for magic, I dabble a little here and there, but nothing quite as spectacular as wizards or sorcerers, I can say!"

The sylph's face brightens as a plate of sausages, eggs, and bread is put onto a nearby table, alongside a mug of ale.

"If you may excuse me for a moment, I believe my meal has arrived! I apologize for being frank, but this is the first time in a couple of weeks that I get something that isn't trail rations."

Auriea quickly seats himself at the table, and begins eating his meal.

A solidly built Taldan man with neatly-cropped brown hair enters the common room. His blue cloak is emblazoned with the sigil of the Taldan Empire, fastened to his chest with a brooch depicting the rising phoenix of the Sovereign Court. With a cursory glance around the room, he quickly recognizes the group of adventurers being called to assemble, and cracks a wide grin.

"If there's one thing this Society has taught me, it's how to recognize adventure even in the calmest of settings. Well met, comrades! I look forward to clearing a new path into legend alongside you!"

Looking up, towards the front of the common room, Auriea waves a hand, which is currently holding a sausage link on a fork. Realizing that there is a bit of food, still on the utensil, the bard quickly starts to eat it. Grabbing the mug of ale next to his plate and drinking some of it to clear out his throat, he then raises the mug.

Hello there, and well met! Sorry about the rudeness, but I've been looking forward to this meal for a while now. Glad to meet you!

Quickly setting the mug down, and grabbing a knife, Auriea begins to cut and mix the meal together, while taking bites.

The elf continued to wait against the wall. His arms folded over his chest while he looked toward the hearth. It was close now, for the briefing that would send him and the others on a mission.

"I grow impatient..."

Tyriel pushed himself from the wall, grabbing the banner staff near him. Hoisting the pole over his shoulders, he lifted his arms up and over the main haft, allowing them to dangle while he stretched his back.

"...I hate the wait..."

You are summoned to Balentiir's office. Balentiir shutters of the windows in his second-story office overlooking the lodge’s tranquil gardens and seats himself behind his writing desk. He nods and introduces a thin, aging Garundi man in an ornately bejeweled and feathered turban. “This is Amenopheus, the Sapphire Sage. I trust most of you know of him already. If you don’t, know that he has served both the Ruby Prince and the Pathfinder Society for many years, uncovering vast troves of lore from Ancient Osirion and mentoring some of our finest agents. He recently approached my colleagues and me with a request for assistance, and the Society has agreed to step up and aid its ally. The arrangement is, in fact, rather mutually beneficial.” He nods to Amenopheus, signaling the elder man to speak.

“Faithful servants of the past, I bid you greetings,” the wizened sage says with a shallow bow.

“Our esteemed ruler,the Ruby Prince, recently released me from his service, which has freed me to learn more about a little-known organization to which I belong: the Jeweled Sages, protectors of Osirion’s history and chroniclers of its past glories. Quite by accident, I found myself initiated into this group, and have long believed myself to be its sole surviving member. Each sage in the group possesses a unique jewel—a priceless artifact that contains memories of Osirion’s golden age.” He pauses as if considering how to express his thoughts “For many years, I have sought news of any other members of the Jeweled Sages. My agents recently learned of the Diamond Sage, whom they traced to the city of Eto in the Osirian Desert. At the same time, I received word from a reliable source that several other jewels in the vicinity. I ask that you travel to Eto, negotiate with my contact in the city for his assistance, and then use what you learn to find the Diamond Sage and these lost jewels.”
Venture-Captain Balentiir frowns and adds, “This contact has tried to remain anonymous, but we suspect he is none other than Grandmaster Torch. If you’ve heard of him—or worse, met him—you may know trading favors is his signature. Regardless of Torch’s past treacheries, we need you to deal with him fairly for the information. There is a caravan leaving for Eto in a few hours, so don’t delay.”

Tyriel Listens carefully to the location and the objectives. He gave a simple nod once all concluded and headed toward the door.

"We'll be needing supplies if we are headed Eto... A lot of water, I imagine as well."

With that the elf headed out of the door, out into the market.

Add +1 Cloak of Resistasnce 1000gp, Waterskin (1gp)

Once his shopping was complete, He joined the otehrs at the convoy arrival and departure site.

The Sylph gasps at the mention of Mister Torch and treachery.

When I met him, Mister Torch seemed like a nice man... I've been wondering as to why I haven't seen him around as of late.

Also taking notes as to the location of their destination, Auriea also starts up a side list of what may be needed for the trek through the desert.

Yes yes, water is a must, but one may also want some hot weather gear to keep the harsh sun off one's skin.

Auriea will buy four Waterskins (4 gp), four Elven Trail Rations (8 gp), and Smelling Salts (25 GP). That brings me down to 1 gp! So poor......

After hitting up the markets, the bard arrives at the caravan in what looks to be a white and beige set of traveler's robes with embroidered butterflies, a turban with a starry motif, and a cloth sack on his back. The kukris hung somewhat in the open on his belt, while his shortbow and a quiver of arrows were slung over his shoulder.

Tarquin furrows his brow. "Desert, eh? I take it we should bring some provisions against the heat?"

Tarquin buys a waterskin (1 gp), 4 days' trail rations (2 gp total), and 3 scrolls of endure elements (25 gp each).

Balentiir waits while you make your little comments. "If you don't have any questions hint then you may leave."

Ack, I knew I forgot something! Still buying the stuff and will use my Hat of Disguise for the look of the previous post once we start our little adventure.

Oh oh, where are we supposed to meet up in Eto? Also, what other jewels are we looking for, or would your contact would know better? Um, what else......? OH! I recall mister Torch liked to trade favor for favor, but what is he asking for, if the contact is him?

Auriea barrages with quick questions, all seemingly in one breath. The bard was taking all mental notes, while his eyes gleamed from natural curiosity. Returning to the quick questions with little interruption, it seems the bard is enjoying himself almost too much....

Um, also, what would you expect us to encounter on the caravan route? Is the caravan leaving town sharing food or water? Are there any other sylphs in the caravan?

Wait a minute.... I recall that I could be getting..... What? OH! Earplugs!

I forgot to add , going to get ear plugs (3 cp). 9 sp and 7 cp left! Kept on forgetting to buy them when I had the chance, and it's better safe than sorry, plus the last desert adventure Auriea was in, involved bird ladies....

listening to your questions he answers two of them. "Well, you are going to find Grand Master Torch. He is staying at the House of the White Uraeus, a fancy inn that caters to those in need of healing and rest. As for trades with Grand Master Torch, “I suppose Torch has always enjoyed twisting bargains and words to his advantage. Very well. If you see an opportunity to gain some advantage against the man while doing favors for him, you’re welcome to follow through.”
Amenopheus shoots a pleading look at the venture-captain before Balentiir quickly adds, “If you can get away with it.”

I most likely won't be able to post for the next 36 hours. Heading off to Tokyo for a friends retirement party.

"Please tell us more of these jewels and what they can do. And any background information on these sages too."

"Good, let's do it. I guess the Society will provide us with any equipment, provisions, water and any other stuff we would need to cross the desert. Will we need Endure Elements? If so, can you provide us with a wand or two? I guess it will take us days to cross the sands. How long?"

"We have only our own wits to serve us...Never trust the society to 'provide' service..."

Tyriel responded with a bit of a low hiss in his voice. He wasn't fond of the society for their poorly planned endeavors.

Balentiir looks at Sidney, "What do you mean, "What can they do?" they are normal jewels, they sparkle and shine. They look pretty so they are worth a lot of money to the society."

Amenopheus nods, "If you don't have any more questions," he says as he pulls a weathered stone from his robes and strikes it once against the wall to break the stone into two crystalline geode halves. He hands
one piece to Tyriel, and says, “If you find one of the jewels of my order or the person known as the Diamond Sage, I ask that you contact me. Concentrate on the stone and speak a message of a few dozen words. I will hear you and respond with further instructions. It will only work once, so keep it safe.”

With that, you may make a final round of purchases and get ready for the action.

Tyrile gives the elder sage a nod, pocketing the half of the geode given to him.

"It'll be safe."

"We'll do what we can to beat Torch at his own game. Your jewel is safe with us."

Ready to go, I believe!

Eldon stares at Tyriel bitterly "Was I taking with you?"

The elf turns to Belendir and ask again "What about the provisions? Can we count on the Society support on paying for the travel dispenses, food, water, etc. as usual?"
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13

Venture-Captain Balentiir smiles at Eldon's questions. "I think has Amenopheus something in mind." he laughs as he says it.

Amenopheus escorts you to the circus and speaks to the ring leader before departing. The ring leader, Sirus, comes up to speak with you. "It is good for the society to lend us the assistance we need." he looks at Eldon, "Amenopheus said that you would love to work with the elephants," he says as he pulls out a pair of thick gloves, "Betha's been sick, so you might want to watch out for her rear end." he quickly assigns each of you small parts in the crew and you are shortly on your way.

before you know it, you reach Eto. The immense rock walls that ring Eto rise from the horizon like a shimmering mirage that gradually sharpens into focus. The city sits inside an elevated crater with sheer, weathered sides broken only in two places by heavily guarded gates. Long lines of caravans wait in a meandering queue awaiting entrance as officials search their cargos for contraband and calculate taxes. Water sellers, food vendors, and guides march up and down the lines peddling their wares and services to the visitors. Beyond the gates, the main thoroughfares fan out around the various districts of the city before dwindling into the dozens of pathways that flow through the bazaar like the delta of the great River Sphinx.

With a flick of his wrist and a twirl of the haft off his shoulder, Tyriel quickly aligns and displays his banner. Whilst Tyriel is holding this, we all get a moral +1 attack and damage rolls. Neat.

"I have decided I hate elephants."

The elf looked toward the others with a nod, motioning toward the city and its many many distractions.

"Shall we make a gentleman's wager on if we get ambushed?"

The one taking care of the elephants were Eldon.

Although I admit my error, I'm still having Tyriel hate elephants. If for no reason then to have witness enough poo exit one of the beasts to make fire an issue >.>

As he drives the elephants through the bazaar Eldon comments for everybody to hear "Ok, remind me to add a 'not bigger than a camel' next time I have the brilliant idea to ask for travel resources" he laughs as he involuntarily steps over a giant elephant poo.

"So... I guess we need to ask for the contact. Do you think it is better to ask for Torch directly, or better just for someone with information in the city. Or perhaps we can directly ask for the Diamond Sage." Eldon asks the others.

"I'm thinking we should head to the House of the White Uraeus and see what we can find on our own before drawing attention to ourselves by asking questions."

on the first day of your journey, the Ringmaster sees Eldon riding on one of his elephants. "No, No, No. The help rides in the back cart." Once you get down from the elephant, you realize that you might have wanted to walk, as the back cart is the worst smelling place in the whole circus.

The immense rock walls that ring Eto rise from the horizon like a shimmering mirage that gradually sharpens into focus. The city sits inside an elevated crater with sheer, weathered sides broken only in two places by heavily guarded gates. Long lines of caravans wait in a meandering queue awaiting entrance as officials search their cargos for contraband and calculate taxes.
Water sellers, food vendors, and guides march up and down the lines peddling their wares and services to the visitors. Beyond the gates, the main thoroughfares fan out around the various districts of the city before dwindling into the dozens of pathways that flow through the bazaar like the delta of the great River Sphinx.

How will you enter the city? from the local knowledge that Eldon scrapped up, he was able to find information about guards at the city gates, who ask questions to any travelers.

Knowledge Local: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17
Knowledge Engineering: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

Well, I don't know diddly about the wall!

The Sylph seems to be distracted, giving and receiving advice on different dance styles with some of the caravan to have paid any attention to much else. He is quite enthralled with some of the acrobatics that the circus performers have, collecting various mental notes as how one may move as they do. Hearing Tyriel's comment about an ambush, Auriea walks up to the man.

I highly doubt anyone would be foolish enough to try and fight in the public. Besides, who would want to risk hurting these cute animals?

The Sylph walks up to one of the elephants and starts to play with its trunk.

Sidney walks up to the elephants and also pets one on the trunk.

"How much to own one? I may buy one some day."

The Ringleader answers Sidney, "If you find a seller, you can get one for ten platinum piece. As for hurting animals, you would be surprised who doesn't like them." he glances at Tyriel and Eldon.

"The main gate seems as good a place to enter as any to me. Is there a reason we should try to maintain a low profile in the city, comrades?"

"Well, it is always good to try not catch the eye of the authorities and other organized groups, at least until we know better the city and who rules it. I am sure Torch will know about our arrival much earlier than we might discover where is he, so no real need to call his attention." Eldon looks at the guards "Perhaps we can say we are the circus guards, or say we are merchants looking for rare jewels and travelling with the circus for convenience. Any better idea?"

"We can buy our way in, perhaps?"

The elf chimes in, leaning onto the haft of his banner.

"Pay!?!?!? People are always glad to see me!! And look at these elephants. They seem to be unique. These are our in."

Sidney is averse to paying.

"With elephants, a dancer, and a bannerman in our midst, we could reasonably pass as circus workers."

"Oh, I believe we could pass easily as part of the circus! Besides, it seems that we are quite well suited to travel amongst these entertainers as our cover into the city. Isn't that right Eldon?"

The sylph smirks mischievously as he passed by the Elf.

"I hope that you'll forgive us for the duties you had to perform for the group's sake," Auriea whispered to Eldon.

"Fine fine,"

The elf shakes his head, agreeing to go along the plan.

"So long as, in the end, Things become dust and the carrion eaters feast on the ashes of our foes... For the Crusade's cause, of course."

Tyriel quickly caught himself, looking about before turning away to watch the line.

Eldon smiles and whispers back "I am ok to sacrifice for the group's sake. Just let's see how all this work along. I think we can become a good working group, just need some time to work together."

The elf gets some juggling and starts to play along with them simulating to be part of the circus as they pass through the gates.
Sleight of hand: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

As you guys are speaking among yourselves, the Ringleader approaches you with the guards. He stops and looks at Eldon trying to juggle. "These are the ones that I told you about. They joined us in Sandswept. Venture-Captain Balentiir asked me if they could join. He suggested that they could be guards, but I found that they clean up well." With that, the Ringleader laughs and walks away, entering the city.

This untidy, smelly and small guard walks up to you, in his dirty, dirty armor. You notice a cigarette butt stashed on his ear. "Well, what do we have here? Pathfinders. You are not here to cause trouble are you? We don't want trouble, do we Fred?" he addresses the overweight Sargeant to his left.

The Sargent sighs "Corporal Nobbs, when we are on duty, call me Sargent Colon. Especially when we have to ask the new arrivals about their business in the city." Sargent Colon turns to the group. "We will need to take an inventory of your belongings, don't worry, i won't let Nobby take anything." He puts out his hand, expecting you to pass over your weapons for inspection. "What brings you to Eto and where are you from?"

With a simple, quick gesture, Tyriel hands off his bow. He keeps his banner however, as it stands blandly and obviously used for display over combat.

"I Expect that back."

The elf said, a small bit of smoke escaping his lips. He looks about briefly but doesnt say anything further allowing the one best suited for kind conversation to speak. He motions to the guard with a nod toward Auriea.

"I just work for him."
Bluff: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

Fred Sense Motive: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16
Nobby Sense Motive: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14

Nobby takes Tyriel's bow and walks to Fred. Looking over the bow Nobby whispers to Fred "Is that a boy or a girl?"
Fred looks at Auriea, "Don't know, and don't ask." Fred approaches Auriea, "Even lad, what brings you to Eto?"

Bowing towards the guards, the Sylph smiles at the men. With a quick motion, Auriea hands his kukris and darkwood shortbow to Nobby, while winking at the man.

"I assume that two would like to look at these? Also, as for me being here, I was just sent to gather information for the venture captain, although I would love to stay and learn more about the culture and especially the native dances!"

Auriea seems to be completely giddy when it comes to adding to his dancing repertoire.

"By the way, could I have those back when finished? I feel quite naked without them, as they are part of my dance routine."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Why dice gods?! Whyyyyyyy?!

Sidney can't help but produce his glaive.

"I have this incredibly crafted glaive. You never know when you are going to need a long weapon."

He seems rather proud of himself.