Dungeon Master S's "All for Immortality" Trilogy (Inactive)

Game Master Chris Marsh

And here we begin. I'll start once everyone checks in.

Hugo Victor arrives with a younger Pathfinder as they approach the Wall of Names in the Grand Lodge with note in hand.

"Omar, my protege, here you must depart as I must travel once again and leave you to your own missions.
I fear I cannot say any more on the subject. May Abadar guide your steps.Remember to keep the tenets of the Society.

Once the Skald has departed, the Priest opens the note again and ponders its meaning.

I wonder if this enterprise will be a lucrative as the last.

Roos stumbles in with his flask of Brandy in his hand... he manages to find the note and brings it up to his eyes squinting to read it one more time ensuring he is at the right place...

After receiving the note requesting his presence, Iggy steps quickly gathers his things, informing his seneschal of his plans, as he knows them, and then steps through the linked Hao Jin portal on his hidden coastal island, appearing only moments later in the Grand Lodge basement. Seeing he is alone aside from a few monks that tend the area, he makes his way to the Wall of Names.

"Hello again, my friends. I had hoped we might work together once more. Mother tells me that I am close, and this mission, although secret to us still, offers many obstacles and challenges upon our paths. But we, each of us, has the strength to succeed."

Turning towards the newer pathfinder he has yet to meet, he simply bows his head in greetings, hoping for a few words before the man departs. "Omar I believe I heard Venture-Captain Victor say. Is that right? You have a good and wise teacher. Listen and learn as much as you are able while you travel on your own path, and you shall go far."

Approaching from afar you spot a camel atop which is man covered in light flowing robes, his head protected by an elaborate turban. As the camel plods nearer, you realize that the rider is actually of elven heritage, although his age seems even greater than any elf you have ever seen-or at least, the years have not treated him well. His skin is rough and leathery and has the dried-out and flaky appearance of a mediocre embalming. In fact, there seem to be several pieces of skin that have gone missing from the backs of his hands and along his neck where the fabric of his robe has rubbed it away.

The elf's agility in leaping down from the camel, however, is quite at odds with his appearance. He stands awkwardly for a few seconds, clearly not sure what to say. "He-hello," he begins hesitatingly, stammering the words out. "I am V-v-venture Captain Rumil the C-c-constant, of the Osirion Lodge." Each word seems painful for him to pronounce. "I was told you were in n-n-need of assistance." He finishes the introduction with a slight bow of his head.

"Hiccup!....'scuse me...so you new guy....what are you...? You a wizard or an archer...? I know you elf types live forever and pick up many skills....so what can you do for us...? Hiccup!...just want to know who I am working with....Say where is Roak and Shumpy?" the human male says to the newcomer as he continues to drink at the bar...

"Welcome Rumil. Hugo Victor at your service."

Hugo bows in Oririon fashion.

"Having been born and spending the early part of my career in service to the Osirion Lodge, before the great re-ordering,
I appreciate your journey through sand and sea to reach us here.

"Well..." Rumil begins nervously. "I am b-b-both. A linguist by t-t-training, but I have picked up many skills." He tends to spit his words out quickly, lest he trip up on them as he so often does. He gives a weak smile. "I s-s-suppose you can call me an archer first and foremost."

Once Roakar checks in I'll start. Meanwhile, feel free to picture this conversation happening in a restricted area of the Grand Lodge. Venture-Captain and Seeker level agents only!

A young messenger finds you on the grounds and asks that you meet the Master of Swords by the Wall of names. It's a short walk, and it seems most of the damage from the Aspis attack has been erased.

“I thought this place appropriate." Says Farabellus as you arrive. "You know, all of the agents who’ve fallen in service to the Society have their names inscribed here; for me, it’s a reminder that the Society’s deeds often come at a cost. I asked each of you to join me here today, for I could think of no better place to give you this serious mission.”

The Master of Swords is visibly pensive for a moment before continuing. “Through their proxies, the Decemvirate have completed negotiations with the Thuvian city-state of Pashow. As you may or may not know, Pashow is set to receive the latest shipment of Thuvia’s famous sun orchid elixir—a tonic that rejuvenates and forestalls the ravages of age. The last two shipments of the elixir to Pashow over the last decade have failed to reach the city, and in their third attempt, they seek the aid of the Society to ensure nothing goes amiss."

“You might ask yourself what business the Society has in dealing with the sun orchid trade, or sending agents to act as convoy guards—especially agents as esteemed and talented as you. Well, the leader of Pashow, Emir Guldis, has solid evidence that the Aspis Consortium intends to make an attempt on the delivery, seeking to claim the elixir for the Consortium.”

Farabellus sweeps his arm over a section of the wall inscribed with the names of dozens of fallen agents. “The Aspis wounded us, hit us here, on the grounds of this very lodge. These names are all those who fell in that heinous attack, and the one who we’ve learned organized that attack is also the one planning to rob Pashow. Even if you have no care for vengeance, I ask that you lend your services to protect a troubled city from Aspis schemes and avert the chaos and hardship that would ensue. You’ll act as representatives of the Pathfinder Society, ensuring that Emir Guldis and his city get their elixir, and that the Consortium gets nothing."

“As you ensure the delivery of an alchemical miracle capable of extending one’s life by a few decades, remember that the names inscribed on this wall are immortal in a way far beyond anything that can be found within a vial. Remember that we owe the names on this wall for the sacrifice they made—a sacrifice that allows this Society to endure.”

He sighs heavily, "Obviously I'm eager to see you on your way, but you didn't become the agents you are by rushing in half-cocked. What questions have you?"

As the mounted elf appears, Ignatious returns the greeting with a nod of his own. "A linguist. Hmm, how interesting. I'm not certain, even amongst the Society, I'm not certain I've ever met someone dedicated to the craft. Perhaps, if you have some time later, you might be willing to share some of your instruction?"

Later
Ignatious listens patiently to the man's words, making small notations in his journal as he does. Some of what the Master of Swords said echoes his own words in regards to the Shadow Lodge only a few months back, and not far from this very spot.

Once again, I'll aid Roakar in making sure that that name, or in this case symbol, is well cared for on the Wall of Names, or adding it if needed.

"I am curious, my friend, you seem to imply that you know who it was that was behind these recent attacks. It was my understanding that it was the entirety of this Aspis Consortium group, and not a smaller cell within. Is this, . . . incorrect?"

"I have guesses and clues, but no solid evidence. Our field agents are actively working against a resident Aspis Gold Agent by the name of Kitio Aspenthi. Both our organization and Emir Guldis separately came to the conclusion that Kitio is making a play to claim some or all of the sun orchid vials for the Aspis Consortium. We have other agents tracking Kitio down, but we need our best—you—to ensure the sun orchid delivery reaches Pashow. Emir Guldis will have more information on site. I wish I had more Ignatious.”

Oh yes, I am familiar with Ignatious. He has played in several of my games, after all!

"Oh! Yes, absolutely," the shy elf responds to Ignatious. Rumil knows 22 languages and has Linguistics maxed out, which I thought was pretty impressive when I built him a few years ago, unaware of a few other tricks for learning twice as many languages. Oh well!

---

Venture-Captain Rumil nods his head at the briefing. "It is curious that so many clamor for another few decades when there are better ways. It has its p-p-pitfalls, but the ceremonies of the Risen Guard are quite effective, as I learned myself." As the elf scratches his cheek, a flaky piece of embalmed skin falls off of his face.

Rumil clears his throat nervously. "So would Kitio be the r-r-recipient of the elixir if the Aspis were to steal it? Or is there some other person in the shadows who wwwishes to use the elixir?"

"We know that the Consortium is currently going through something like our own Shadow War. A Gold agent is nothing to sneeze at, comparable in experience to you. Whether Kitio is the player or a pawn is something we don't know at the moment, but I expect we will when this is all done."

A huge bald man, covered in tattoos and spiked armor, walks down the hallway whistling and casually rolling a large keg of mead with his foot like its a ball. Every now and then he taps it with his large lion headed warhammer to keep it moving. Initiates dodge this way and that to avoid being crushed beneath his libations. He pulls up next to the wall of names.

"Ahg. What a sad place to be startin' an adventure."
That being said he picks up the keg in one arm and pours a mug of mead, salutes the wall, and downs the mug. He then pours another and sets it on the floor against the wall. He then touches a couple of names that have had a line scratched through them, smiling. "At least I brought some of you kids back from your misadventures."

"Sorry I'm late. Roos, Igy, Hugo...no Shump this round?" He pauses and the continues "Ahh Rumil. This is a first for you, at least for me. This should be fun."

"Ahhh Roak! Good to see you once again. It seems we are destined to jump back into the jaws of death and peril....such a life...it does drain on your soul perhaps...maybe that is why there are such few elder pathfinders around...ah well, tis nothing but blood, sweat and tears...no matter I am ready for whatever comes next." the drinking bard spurts out before standing up and taking his last swig...

Hugo nods to Roakar at his arrival but continues to absorb the mission description.

Sobering background. However, I have a few questions hopefully you can answer for me.

Hugo scratches his chin.

"First, I met my protege Omar in Lamasara, Thuvia...in proximity to the origins of the sun orchid elixir, would it be possible, or even advised to just teleport to the city, retrieve the containers and teleport back, thereby bypassing any expected ambush? How much elixir is involved?

Hugo pauses for an answer, but nevertheless continues.

Second, should we find Kitio, what of capturing him and returning him to the Society for trial for the murders you mentioned or at least for questioning?
A civil war between Consortium branches can only benefit our Society, by both sides weakening. What other information would Kitio have of value to our organization?

There’s been a taboo surrounding the use of teleportation magic to deliver the elixir from the Citadel of the Alchemist, and it seems the troubles of Pashow lend credence to that belief. Both times that Emir Guldis attempted to secure his city’s shipments were with teleportation magic, and both went horribly wrong. At least teleportation magic for any other purpose seems safe. As for Kitio, I trust your judgement. That's why we're sending you.”

The Master of Swords rubs his bald pate. [b]"Perhaps it's time to introduce you to your contact.

---------

After a quick walk to one of the Lodge's many secure areas you are introduced to Farhaana Zadeh, court conjurer of Emir Guldis. Farhaana is obviously impatient to return to Pashow, but maintains proper decorum and manners. After the introduction, she offers to teleport you to the Emir forthwith.

Just do a quick check in. This is the last time you'll have an opportunity to shop before the adventure begins. Once checked in, I'll advance.

Hugo is going to ensure he converts 5000gp worth of coin to diamond dust...you know, for easy carrying. ;-)

Very well, Master Farabellus. Hopefully someone will have a description of Kitio and whether a sorcerer, cleric or swordsman.
Otherwise, I am ready.

Farhaana quickly and laconically teleports you to the central spire of Emir's palace. Apparently, she's not the only one eager to get to work.
"Greetings Pathfinders! I am Emir Guldis. It is a true honor to meet you. Please join me in a meeting room."

He escorts you to the lavishly furnished room. Inside is a strong woman in resplendent armor. By her side is a highly stylized bardiche of adamainte. Emir introduces her, "This is Saabira Taheri, the head of Pashow’s city guard and my Guldis’s personal security advisor." She nods to each of you in turn, but she doesn't rise.

She does however, address you, "Congratulations on your recent accomplishments at the Acadamae. Rúmil, you work in translation precedes you as well, as does your skill with arcane arrows."

The emir orders servants to bring food and drink for the you, but he only partakes in small amounts of either. The chamber’s central feature is a vast wooden table covered in maps with a tray of markers kept to one side. A semicircular glass window occupies much of one wall, providing a pleasant view of Pashow and the desert beyond.

“I thank you all for coming on such short notice; I know the negotiations between my city-state and your Decemvirate only recently came to a conclusion. Sadly, there is little time for pleasantries, as the sun orchid elixir is likely already being delivered into the hands of my agents at the entrance to the Citadel of the Alchemist.”

Emir Guldis places a small marker near the mountains south of Pashow on the grand map before him.

“Dozens of convoys have convened to receive either one of the six vials of the sun orchid elixir or a convincing fake. From there, the convoys will split up to travel to Pashow by myriad means and paths. We do not expect any activity within sight of the citadel, and using a variety of travel methods gives us the best chance of ensuring at least some of the elixir makes its way here.”

The emir places several small convoy markers near the marker at the south end of the map. Immediately, magical lines of color, matching the colors of their respective markers, form on the map. Each of the lines zigzags through the desert or moves in a direct line, ending at the northern edge of the map where Pashow is styled in deep crimson ink.

“I have retained your services not as mere caravan guards. No, you are the last contingency to assist should any of our true convoys come under attack. I have several conjurers on standby to magically transport wherever you are needed most. The Decemvirate have promised me that you are their most experienced agents, and your presence eases my mind in the face of potentially losing a third shipment.”

Checking in. No purchases needed, but I will cast some of my long lasting spells and also use a charge of Endure Elements on myself. Will freely offer it to others as well, if needed. Something I'd also like to do, if it's okay, is officially use my Venture-Captian/Pathfinder Lodge Boon which grants me 10 effective free Prestige Points to use on Follower Vanities per scenario. If it's okay, I'd like to get a Seneschal (for my home), as well as a Guide and Foreign Contact for Pashow, (more RP than anything).

Nodding towards Saabira Taheri as well as we enter, I'll take my place inside the chamber and draw my journal to record notes and names, though listen intently.

“Dozens of convoys have convened to receive either one of the six vials of the sun orchid elixir or a convincing fake. From there, the convoys will split up to travel to Pashow by myriad means and paths. We do not expect any activity within sight of the citadel, and using a variety of travel methods gives us the best chance of ensuring at least some of the elixir makes its way here.”

"Excuse me, I just want to be clear here. There are a total of two real elixirs, and many fakes, all being distributed out to your agents. Is that correct?"

"I have retained your services not as mere caravan guards. No, you are the last contingency to assist should any of our true convoys come under attack. I have several conjurers on standby to magically transport wherever you are needed most. The Decemvirate have promised me that you are their most experienced agents, and your presence eases my mind in the face of potentially losing a third shipment.”

"We shall stand ready then, my friends. As it always is, and must be, I suspect it will be much more complicated than that, though it shall not be beyond our ability to handle. What can you tell us of the prior two thefts? I imagine there where investigations done, looking for signs of magic, trackers, etc. . ."

"It might also be worth knowing just what sorts of dangers these lands might hold we should be aware of."

All of those sound perfectly fine to me.

"Yes, you've got the right of it. As our advisers here, you're welcome to look in on the team dossiers, etc. "

No shopping but Rumil will cast mage armor before teleporting, which will last for nine hours.

She does however, address you, "Congratulations on your recent accomplishments at the Acadamae. Rúmil, you work in translation precedes you as well, as does your skill with arcane arrows."

Rumil bow his head and mumbles, "You are too k-k-kind." Clearly his mastery of language does not extend to the spoken word.

Before leaving, Rumil insists on fetching his camel, whom he introduces as 'Chippy'. He then checks over his bags and equipment before silently nodding at his readiness.

"Iggy....did you catch all that talk....of two...what were they...elixirs...or was it brandy....are we looking for brandy...? I found some over here...quest accomplished...oh no wait...we need to go somewhere and do something and fight someone... all missions are like that...and I guess we take another magical ride to get somewhere...and who is this pointy ear guy again... I seemed to have forgotten... alright, let us depart before I sober up and think better of this... let me just top off my flasks...Cayden will get me through... he did his trials fully drunk..." the human bard manages to stutter during and after the briefing.... he then fills up his flasks and grabs his gear giving the Master of swords and Emir a toast from one of his flasks.... and then stumbles...

Saabira looks at Roos, "Clearly the reports downplayed something about you."

"He simply enjoys his form of. . . reverence. But I assure you my friend, wen it is time for action, Master Roos is an excellent swordsman, and one I would entrust my life to. In fact, I have, as have many of us here. When we where sent to Hell, it was he that figured out that time worked differently, and without his aid, songs, and jokes, it's very possible the mortals might have perished there."

Turning back to Roos, "I believe so. There are two magical, ur. . . two magical ales that someone is trying to steal. Because all of the others have been stolen before now, they wish to hide those two amongst an assortment of fakes, sending a dozen or so travelers upon different paths. Our task is to wait here and watch, and when there is danger, to go help out."

Back towards the hosts, "Is it possible to learn about what happened during the prior to thefts? Do you have any idea on who was involved, how it was done, or how they got away? Anything really might help."

"Would that I could Ignatious, but no one knows. We’ve sent several groups to investigate the disappearances of the last two shipments, but they’ve all come up empty."

"they should have brought more liquor and Roak and Iggy. Then they would have been successful....hiccup!"

Hugo casts his usual preparatory spells prior to the teleport.
Endure Elements 24h, Delay Poison 13h

He ponders the briefing carefully and considers options.

Masters Roos and Ignatious, if one of these caravans comes under attack, presumably the one with the real elix...ales.
Then we should benefit for some pre-defined tactics.
Any additional information we receive on the would-be attackers prior to our arrival will benefit, but
I suspect time will be of the essence. What of the elixirs...do they have any markers to allow them to be tracked should they be taken? Distinguishing markings?
I will assume since we cannot teleport with the flasks, any thieves would be under the same constraints...and probably aware of the fact.

"Perhaps I missed it, but what exactly happens when one travels the roads of magic with these "ales"?"

I think I am good. Fixed that whole its hard to decide to fly in the middle of combat while raging thing. 54,000 gp later, Roakar has wings. My saves took a very small hit but I am trying to balance that with more rerolls.

Roakar sets his keg down in an upright position and takes a seat on top of it. He let's Igy and Hugo do their thing, asking questions and prepping for the mission at hand.

He looks to Rumil "These guys are more of the planners than me. I am more of a dive head first into trouble, adapt as I go, and come out on the other side kinda guy. So I let them do there thing."

In response to Roakar's point Emir adds, "That's why you're on stand by. If something goes wrong the plan is to teleport you IMMEDIATELY into the action. Regular teleportation isn't an issue, and we're hoping that if something goes wrong, we can unleash you as a surprise. There simply isn't a large enough pool of people as powerful as you to put with every group. This way we have strategic freedom."

Any other questions?

If it's not too late, the Carpet of Flying and the Racing Broom of Flying are a bit cheaper and slotless. It might be just me, but seeing Roakar surfboarding a Racing Broom of Flying into battle sounds amazing.

You're currently in Pashow awaiting a hotspot to deploy to.

Roos will see about purchasing a wand of flight in town

Unfortunately, Pashow has fewer than 5,000 people in it, which means purchases from here on out are limited without the expenditure of Prestige Points.

Super busy day. Will update when able.

He looks to Rumil "These guys are more of the planners than me. I am more of a dive head first into trouble, adapt as I go, and come out on the other side kinda guy. So I let them do there thing."

"There is virtue in b-b-both approaches." Rumil sputters out. "I simply try to plan for many different con-contingencies."

Rumil has a bit of gold left but I can't really think of anything cheap enough that he desperately needs. I guess Rumil is ready to move on whenever.

If it's not too late, the Carpet of Flying and the Racing Broom of Flying are a bit cheaper and slotless. It might be just me, but seeing Roakar surfboarding a Racing Broom of Flying into battle sounds amazing.

While I agree with you on the concept of the flying carpet, I wanted something with less ambiguous rules regarding combat. Is the carpet a mnount, can I charge while on the carpet, ETC. It was just easier to spend the extra money and remove the ambiguities.

Definitely with pounce, wings are probably better despite the price

I am as ready as can be. Any notice we have for a few seconds before teleporting would be a bonus.

bollix. I neglected something....

Before you depart to meet with the Emir, Marcos Farabellus gives you a palm-sized ceramic disk bearing the Glyph of the Open road on one side and a pair of crossed swords on the other. He explains that when broken, this allows the user to speak up to 100 words to the Master of Swords and receive a response. Farabellus asks that should your duties change, you should update him and reassess priorities together

-Posted with Wayfinder

Is it 2 vials of elixir or 6?

Since Roakar has nothing to do but sit and wait, he asks a few questions to probe how well the situation was planned out.

"So how many people do you have in the field right now and are they as in the dark about the possibilities they face as we are?"

"Does this map update in real time? What else can it show? How do you know which caravans are being attacked"

"What's the plan if they attack a false caravan in overwhelming force."

Is it 2 vials of elixir or 6?

I'm pretty sure that there is a total of 6 elixirs per year. However, the last two attempts to deliver the elixir have both failed, meaning 2 of the original 6 are missing. This third attempt, (this one), to deliver the elixir, Thuvia has gone all out, sending another two real elixirs mixed with 10, (was not sure if "a dozen" groups was literal or general). Is that correct?

Unless anyone else wants to hold it, I'll place the disc in my Handy Haversack for safe keeping.

Is it 2 vials of elixir or 6?

Since Roakar has nothing to do but sit and wait, he asks a few questions to probe how well the situation was planned out.

"So how many people do you have in the field right now and are they as in the dark about the possibilities they face as we are?"

"Does this map update in real time? What else can it show? How do you know which caravans are being attacked"

"What's the plan if they attack a false caravan in overwhelming force."

"We have six teams out there now. The Faithful Procession of Abadar, Inquisition of Inevitables (a half dozen Kolyaruts), Pashow’s Parade Caravan itself, Lord Lightfoot Master of the Four Winds and supreme Disciple of Irori, Korvosa's Sable Company, and finally a team of Pathfinders."

"The map updates in real time. If any of those lights shine red, we will instantly teleport you there. And I'm sorry to say that if they attack a decoy, we let it die. We cannot afford to fall for a feint."

Looking to his fellow comrads, Roakar asks " Did Farabellus mention a second team in the field?"

Back to Emir, Roakar responds "Which groups have the true elixir?" Am I gonna have to sit here and watch as fellow Pathfinders die just to keep your ruse?

Was going to suggest Iggy carry the disk, so that works for me.

Those teams sound capable of handling just about anything. I will be keenly interested in the composition the opposing forces bring to bear."

Hugo considers asking one more question and decides he should.

What is the expected duration for the caravan to complete the delivery? Are we talking hours, days or weeks of sitting here?
And if we thwart the first attack, can we assume we stay with the caravan for the duration and assist if additional attacks are made en route?"

These conveys have the REAL 6 elixirs. The decoys weren't listed as you're not there to save them. If the Pathfinders are attacked, you'll teleport to them.

"It varies. Lord Lightfoot can outrun a cheetah. He favors speed obviously. He'll be measured in hours. The heavily armored Pathfinders include a lead golem. They'll be measured in days. If a caravan is attacked what you do after depends largely on the level of damage incurred."

Last call for questions, etc. Tomorrow morning I'll be advancing. I'll be AFK for a good chunk of the day though. I'm taking one of my classes on a field trip to an amazing company. More in the discussion tab.

You could always come visit our corn field. Nevermind, it's not nearly as exciting as your trip. Unless you're a botanist and like spotting some of the ancestral morphologies in our lines that have different amounts of teosinte DNA mixed in. My dad's not a botanist but as a farmer he found it fascinating, haha.

Rumil fiddles with his wands, taking out his spellbook and flipping through it one last time, clearly getting anxious in anticipation of the action.

Actually our botany and zoology teacher would LOVE that!

Seems like we're ready. Will update in the a.m. (but by all means keep up the chatter.)

Trip sounds like it will be a lot of fun. I probably won't even notice the lack of mid day posting as I have a scientific symposium all day tomorrow. I don't see a lot of biomechanical engineering work in my field but I definitely get the genomics side of things. Luckily no plants. :P