Dungeon Master S's Fabric of Reality (Inactive)

Game Master Chris Marsh

While I'll be away for the holiday weekend, feel free to start posting and chatting. It's a LONG way to Goka, so you'll have plenty of time to get to know each other.

A tall Taldane man awaits everyone to arrive. His hair is a dark black broken by a single streak of grey, though he doesn't seem to be any older than 30 summers of age. His back holds an array of polearms and a longbow while his hip holds a single longsword. He seems to be ready for a fight, or rather, prepared to win a fight.

Baldwyn notices the approach of a small Tien man, he has short cropped silvery hair and large consuming amber eyes. In his hands a coin is being flipped about as he walks. He wears a fine cloak and a silvery shirt over more common attire. The hilts of a couple simple daggers can been seen on his belt, but no other weapons are plainly obvious. A simple pack with two side pockets seems to flop on his back as he skips up to the meeting place.

"Hello there Sir Porcupine! I am known as Hiro." Says the Tien in common with a chipper tone. You note almost no accent in his speech.

Hiro would like to purchase the pack (a Handy Haversack (2000 gp)) and 50 cold iron sling bullets (1 gp) on his way through town.

A kitsune strides into the room. Strange, that he doesn't seem at all concerned with hiding his true self, his long fox hair and bushy tail waving in the air caused by the door opening and closing. He's dressed in a suit of black studded leather, so black it seems that the shadows themselves cling to it. Two bandoliers, full of potions, flasks, and wands, cross his chest. A multitude of daggers adorn any open space left on them. A well made backpack sits on his shoulder, which he drops to the floor once he's in the room.

He strides in confidently, twirling yet another dagger in each hand, before deftly sheathing them in a hidden space on his wrists. His eyes gleam, both with intelligence and mirth.
New adventure! New friends! I am Takkit Shinrou, at your service. Does anyone know what mission we've been summoned for yet?

The tall and well built Tian has a sense of otherness about him, and after a short period of observation it becomes evident he is tianjan, a 'heaven person'. His burnt-gold kimono is matched with dark crimson hakama pants - he almost resembles a walking sunset. A large stylised sun has been boldly embroidered on the back of his kimono, and equally stylised dragons detail the front. A fine looking katana is sashed at his waist.

The servant of the Empress finishes playing his flute peacefully between sips of green tea.

Noting the arrival of more people, he stops playing for a moment and passes around more small lacquer cups of the hot tea, "Takahiro, servant of Shizuru" then resumes playing.

"Porcupine, eh? That's a new one on me. Name's Baldwyn. Am I the only one from the mainland?"

Takkit sits by the Tien paladin, his legs crossed in the proper manner, and accepts the tea.
It's been a long time since I've seen anyone from my homeland. I was brought here as a kit, and only remember a tiny bit. Your flute, it sounds similar to one my father used to play.

He closes his eyes and rocks slightly back and forth as the paladin picks up the tune again, lost in memories. As he sits, his tail curls around him and lays across his lap, its burnt ochre and white colors in stark contrast with the shadowy leather armor. A slight smile finds its way onto his vulpine face, revealing short, sharp teeth.

"Seems you may be Baldwyn. Nice to meet each of you." Says Hiro as he shakes his hair out and reverts to his normal appearance. His silvery snowy coat a polar opposite of Takkit.

Joining the others for tea, Hiro exhibits less manners than Takkit, but keeps his excitement and shenanigans in check. "Haven't met many like us around here." He says in Takkit's direction, and towards Takahiro, "You seems shiny. I think I like you."

It is fairly obvious that this fox folk has not seen many seasons in the company of those of his homeland.

"You want shiny? You should check me out!" says a voice from Baldwyn's direction. The human appears to have said nothing, but reacts simply by striking the hilt of his sword.

"Not here," Baldwyn says, looking down in the same direction.

Takkit looks sharply at Baldwyn when the other voice pipes up, and exclaims with a yip
Who was that?! Is there another friend?

He stays seated, though, sipping his tea respectfully.

Baldwyn grumbles a response but draws his longsword. "This is Gamin. Can't take 'im anywhere."

The sword gleams in the light in a way that can only be associated with prideful boasting. "Ever since he got fixed, he loves the attention. Pay 'im no mind."

Takkit sits his tea down and talks excitedly.
A talking sword! There must be a grand story behind that!

Takahiro draws the tune to a close and places down his masterwork flute lovingly. He then picks up his tea and looks at Baldwyn with a curious enthusiasm, waiting for the story to start.

Another figure joins the tea party already under way. He walks into the private meeting room, looking much like a tall, slender human. However, what might first be taken for an elaborately-cut cloak on his back, on closer inspection is revealed to be a pair of large wings tucked flat. Mostly a dark, smoky grey in color, with touches of crimson, the wings extend from about the level of his ears down to where the tips just brush the floor. His hair, longish and swept back from his face, is of the same dark grey as his wings.

After a quick scan of the room, his eyes widening briefly at the presence of the fox-man, he stands watchful and still, his head occasionally turning with an abrupt motion, then freezing in a new position. His face is narrow, with large, alert, amber eyes and a hooked nose, giving him a strangely birdlike appearance in keeping with his wings. He carries a long, beautifully-made bow behind his left shoulder, and a longsword and morningstar ride at his hips.

"Good morning," he says after his survey of the room, "I appear to be a bit late for the party." As Takahiro holds out a lacquered tea cup to him, the winged man accepts it and says, "Thank you very much. I am Aeris, servant of Milani, and freedom. To your good health." He raises the cup to each person in the room, then takes a sip from it before taking a seat and joining the conversation.

Baldwyn raises a glass to the newcomer and the others in their turn, though seems to have not touched its contents.

"Baldwyn. This is Gamin," he says, referencing his drawn sword.

"It's not that excitin'. Did a job, got the sword. Was broke before, big crack down the middle. Not no one to fix it. Till someone did."

Had to keep that as spoiler free as possible, hahaha.

Aeris chuckles quietly and says, "I'm lucky to have made it as far as I have as a Pathfinder, what with not noticing a drawn sword in the room. I've known men - and women too, as I think on it - to name their blades, but it's usually 'Orc Smiter' or something like that. Gamin, eh? A pleasure."

Just read that scenario in prep for GM'ing it, otherwise I'd have missed the reference.

"Wow, so many wonderfully different people! This will be a most exciting adventure!" Yipp Calls the young and excitable kitsune.

hey guys! Still starting tomorrow, last PC should show up then too. Looking forward to it!

-Posted with Wayfinder

"Had that name when I got 'im." Baldwyn puts the sword back in its scabbard, raising only a minor complaint from the refurbished steel.

Female walks in, average height, dressed primarily in dark clothing, goes and sits in the darkest corner she can find, and waits.

You finally arrive in Goka after a long and relatively pleasant journey.

A table of polished teakwood dominates the middle of this room. Around it sits a number of padded chairs. A handsome Tian woman, dressed in a simple silk dress, sits at the head of the table. “I am Amara Li,” she says softly after gesturing for the newcomers to sit. “Thank you for coming, Pathfinders. As I’m sure you know, the society came into possession of the now infamous Hao Jin Tapestry after winning the Ruby Phoenix Tournament some time ago. This magical tapestry contains a demiplane, one in which the ancient sorcerer Hao Jin placed a vast collection of treasures and magical wonders. The Society has been sending Pathfinder teams into the demiplane for months, mapping its locations and cataloging a staggering number of incredible finds."

“During the course of these expeditions, we uncovered a secret entrance —a backdoor, if you will— that links the tapestry with a site in distant Varisia. Aspis Consortium agents bent on plundering the demiplane secretly exploited this entry point. However, thanks to a daring band of Pathfinders, the Society took control of the Varisian entrance. We hoped to use the tapestry as an instantaneous method of traveling between Absalom and Varisia, but the route to Varisia is currently only one-way. The Decemvirate wants to change this.”

Amara pauses as the Temple of Abadar’s bells mark the midday hour. As the twelfth bell sounds, a thin, middle-aged Keleshite man appears out of nowhere standing next to her, carrying what appears to be a rolled-up rug over one shoulder. “Greetings,” he says sharply. “I am Aram Zey, and this—,” he says as he unrolls the rug and attaches it to the wall, “—is the Hao Jin Tapestry.”

“As the venture-captain was saying, the Society needs the link between Absalom and Varisia to work in both directions. I believe it’s possible to re-attune the tapestry by accessing a site called the Sacred Shrine of Abadar at the very heart of the demiplane. After much research, I believe that the instructions are documented in a tome called the Abysium Codex. With it, you should be able to re-attune the tapestry and allow us to travel to and from Absalom and Varisia at will. After we’ve achieved that, we can establish our own permanent portals in points all over Golarion where we need quick access to. Just imagine having rapid, two way travel from wherever the tapestry is held to points all over the world."

“First thing’s first: we need you to retrieve the Abysium Codex,” interjects Amara Li. “You’ll find it in the possession of a woman named Shadow Orchid, who operates a bookshop called the Learned Crane here in Goka. But be wary, Pathfinders. Though Shadow Orchid is very old and feeble, she is a former Xun assassin—a master of the art of murder. The shop is not far, and unless you have any questions...”

"Does she know we're comin' to collect it, or are we gonna just surprise her and hope she cooperates? Not that I mind either way," Baldwyn finishes with a smirk.

Amara Li, "Shadow Orchid is a female elf and a Xun assassin. She once was a notorious assassin of the Golden League. While she's not expecting you per se, it's a safe bet that she suspects everyone who walks into her shop."

Amara Li sighs, and continues, "Though she’s been retired for over a century. We believe she assassinated Hao Jin—leading to one of the Ruby Phoenix’s many rebirths—several centuries before Hao Jin’s final disappearance, and then absconded with the Abysium Codex. As a Xun, Shadow Orchid may have lived several reincarnated lives prior to this one. She is deadly, it's probably best to assume you're walking into a viper's nest."

"Doesn't sound like she is going to want to part with the tome. Do we have anything to offer in trade?" asks the young kitsune hopefully before adding in a more dour tone, "Or should we expect to fight her to claim the prize?"

Swaying his feet in tight circles about the floor he mumbles shyly with his head down, "I'm not much for fighting if it can be helped."

Baldwyn chuckles at Hiro's question. "For someone who lives long enough, their life is their greatest treasure. Else they wouldn't spend so much time tryin' to keep it. We offer to either take that treasure or take somethin' else. Somethin' ain't worth as much to 'em. That is, long as we're able to back up that claim."

”I have ventured into the tapestry before,” Aeris says grimly, his expression darkening as he recalls the experience. ”The Society struck a blow for freedom – of sorts – on that assignment. And now we enter it again to walk into a ‘viper’s nest,’ run by a woman who killed Hao Jin?” He looks for a long moment at Amara Li, then gestures at Hiro and asks the Venture Captain, ”I don’t suppose this Shadow Orchid might simply sell us the book? She does run a bookshop, after all. As Hiro says, do you have anything we might offer her in return for the book?”

Hearing Hiro’s quiet words, he says to the kitsune in a low voice, ”Not to worry, furry friend. I believe that between us, Baldwyn and I can keep you safe.”

"I do not expect that she'll be at all interested in selling if you know what I mean..."

Takkit sighs.
An assassin, and a deadly one at that. Looks like I'll get a good run for my skills in the bladework department. I may even get to learn something! And don't worry Hiro, I'll make sure I keep anything nasty away from you, just don't hit me with any of your magic!

His sentence starts off dour, but he starts to get a bit excited, as the last syllable almost becomes a yip of joy. However, he does nervously run a clawed finger along the hilt of one of his many daggers for the rest of the conversation.
Does anyone know how she assassinated him? We may be able to use that kind of knowledge against her...

"no one knows. Assassin's just.... know how to kill efficiently."

-Posted with Wayfinder

"Not sayin' I can't handle a fight, just prefer not to. If you know what I mean." Says Hiro, squaring his shoulders for a moment.

"I don't think we'll be going into the tapestry, Aeris. My lady just said her shop is here in the city. I'm not particularly knowledgeable about this locale, but it shouldn't be too hard to find the place."

Thinking for a minute, the kit twirls a strand of yarn before asking, "You say she retired, but have the Xun actually let her go?"

"She retired after a career of note. She is her own woman now."

"Do we know of any reason she might be given that could allow her to part with the book willingly? Though she might have had many transgressions in life, she is still entitled to property without thugs and thieves coming in the night to take it, despite the karmic balance of it all."

Takahiro readies to leave once he gets his answer...

He will go don his armour and get his adventuring kit before moving to the vipers nest

"That's for you to find out... We only just recently obtained the information you just learned."

Hiro aids Takahiro with the armor, "I hope a solution presents itself. I do not enjoy stealing things from others. Taking in jest sure, but not stealing."

Once the armoring is complete, Hiro shoulders his pack and moves towards the door. "Let us go see what we can do about obtaining this tome."

Zannah sits quietly and listens to everything discussed. When everyone is ready to go, she stands up and goes along, preferring to stay in the back.

Shadow Orchid’s bookshop, the Learned Crane, is a three story stone building located at the end of a long, twisting alleyway in the heart of the city. A simple wooden sign over the door reads “善本" under a silhouette of a crane standing atop and open book.

The shop’s interior walls and floors are made of smooth wooden timbers. Though adequately illuminated, this bookshop feels gloomy and somewhat claustrophobic. There are many tables holding piles of books and several bookshelves that stretch from floor to ceiling. The entire east wall is a single bookcase, completely filled with books. An elf, old enough to have crows feet sits in the back of the room. Her posture bespeaks someone who has spent her life hunched over books. Her eyes squint a bit as you enter. She greets you first in Tien, then in Taldane, though the accent is very thick. "Can I help you? Are you in search of a rare book, or perhaps to sell?"

Does anyone speak Tien?

Takkit makes his preparations, helps others with theirs, and then follows the directions to the bookstore. Upon the sight of the sign, he laughs a bit embarrassedly, and speaks out loud.
My mother never taught me Tien. Even though it's where we were from, she wanted to leave the place behind so thoroughly that I had to learn the history of my people through books written by scholars from the Inner Sea. She refused to teach any of her children about our home. Something terrible must have driven her away from it...

He then pokes his head in, and looks around, before greeting the woman, very politely.
Greetings! I'm Takkit, and these are my friends! We came here looking for a really, really rare book!

He shuffles inside the rest of the way, his bushy tail swishing upright behind him.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 30

Does anyone particularly wish to lead the conversation? Takahiro would be happy to, but its pretty clear who and what he is, even though he bears no initial ill will or anything. He has fairly OK diplo and speaks the native tongue.

His view is that we are here to negotiate the use of a book, and not to be strong arming people for their possessions nor start a fight on purpose - He's Mr Miyagi when it comes to social interaction

Takkit can, conceivably, but we do have other people who are probably much better diplo wise. I do think we are off to a good start, though, with that 30 Takkit just opened the door with. Takkit also isn't going to try to beat up any old ladies for a book either, he's much more likely to break in after hours and steal it.

Baldwyn barely looks at the sign, not having any clue about Tien symbols. He stows his weaponry and enters with everyone. He nonchalantly stands at the door looking around the shop.

Yeah, definitely not a charismatic fighter.

Takkit makes his preparations, helps others with theirs, and then follows the directions to the bookstore. Upon the sight of the sign, he laughs a bit embarrassedly, and speaks out loud.

My mother never taught me Tien. Even though it's where we were from, she wanted to leave the place behind so thoroughly that I had to learn the history of my people through books written by scholars from the Inner Sea. She refused to teach any of her children about our home. Something terrible must have driven her away from it...

He then pokes his head in, and looks around, before greeting the woman, very politely.
Greetings! I'm Takkit, and these are my friends! We came here looking for a really, really rare book!

He shuffles inside the rest of the way, his bushy tail swishing upright behind him.
[dice=Diplomacy]1d20+12

EDIT: I just looked over my character sheet, and Takkit does in fact know Tien. This dialogue will change the first paragraph of dialogue in this post, but the rest shall stay the same.

Upon the sight of the sign, he laughs a bit embarrassedly as his ears fold down, and speaks out loud.
My mother taught me Tien. It's one of the only things she showed me of our homeland. I don't know why, but she wanted to leave the place behind so thoroughly that I had to learn the history of my people through books written by scholars from the Inner Sea. She refused to teach any of her children about our home, our culture, instead raising us here, in Absalom. Something terrible must have driven her away from Tien Xia...

He perks up after his mildly depressing words, and points.
The sign says "Rare Books", by the way.

Earlier

”You may be right, Hiro, about our not going into the tapestry” Aeris offers, ”but I’m not so sure. The Master of Spells probably isn’t toting it around just to make a point. I guess we’ll see what happens. First, to the bookshop!”

At the Learned Crane

”As my friend says, we come seeking a book,” Aeris chimes in. ”I, alas, own no books worthy of sale to an expert like you.”

Diplomacy, Aid Takkit: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22

Takkit’s off to a great start leading the conversation, and Aeris is generally not much of a charmer – but I’m all in favor of folks saying what they’re inclined to say, and we’ll roll with it. Aeris would also prefer not to beat the woman up and take her book, though it would depend on how he felt about the ultimate goal of our efforts – which is up in the air at the moment.

The woman at the desk looks at the party with unfailing politeness, but nonetheless replies with, "My apologies. I am but a clerk. If you seek volumes of true rarity, you must speak with the proprietor of the store." At this point you also happen to notice that the store has bodyguards. Odd for a book store, but perhaps not for one where the items are conceivably priceless. The four guards could be mistaken for statues. "If you're willing to wait for a moment, and you are serious in your desire for a book, I will fetch her."

"My friends are tryin' to be nice and you straight off give us a run-aroun'? 'T'ain't very professional for those what want your business. Now," He moves to join his group and draws his bardiche, resting on it like a walking pole. "How's about we try again? Before this gets difficult."

Intimidate: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24

Entering the shop, Hiro takes but a moment to look around before noticing Baldwyn's threatening pose. "Awful lot of posturing for a book. Surely we can at least discuss things before becoming violent."

Then in Tien, "我々は、それはあなたでなければならない、この店を所有しているエルフの愛人を求めています。あなたは私たちの要求を聞くのだろうか?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

Baldwyn's posture changes the dynamic in the room. The guards losses their weapons, but the woman continues to "study."

She maintains her demeanor, but focuses intently on Baldwyn.

"you'd best leave."

-Posted with Wayfinder

Takahiro tries to give her a chance to save face "Ahh such a fine trick you tried playing on us, I can understand that being stuck with a bunch of silent books and with guards who seem as full of life as a jade lump must get lonely and quiet, so perhaps you took this chance to make some light comedy for your entertainment? Surely she is joking with us - for a moment I almost fell for it"

Bluff 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17

"Honourable proprietor" continues Takahiro humbly "You study us intently as one studies a physicians text on anatomy, can I help you with your curiosity?"

EDIT- Will hold off on provoking further unless Takahiro cannot persuade her.