Amara-Li, Well, there were reports of minor undead, but you've proven yourselves, so it shouldn't be much to worry about.
During the party a man approaches you, decked out in the military fineries of an Eagle Knight’s ceremonial uniform—a bright blue overcoat with polished gold buttons, gold eagle epaulets, and a fine, black felt tricorn hat. The handsome man is a charmer who clearly thinks very highly of himself. He speaks loudly and confidently, as if he wants the entire party to “overhear” his conversation with you,
"“Greetings, Pathfinders! I hear you’re headed out into the Cairnlands on official Society business. Best of luck outside the city walls, though you look like sturdy enough adventurers. Perhaps not Eagle Knight material, but qualified for the work of a Pathfinder.
“A word of warning, though, friends—beware the walking dead. The crumbling ruins surrounding the city are rife with them, and you’re likely to run into more than your fair share over the course of your career. Undeath and the undead are more than just a physical peril, however. Undeath is the worst kind of slavery. And it should be eradicated like all servitude, whether to aristocracy or to mental control. Being enslaved to the flesh beyond when Pharasma calls one’s soul to the Boneyard is a fate I wouldn’t wish upon my greatest enemy."
So while you plumb the depths of Asad’s Keep, remember your solemn duty to your fellow man—both living and dead. Any undead you encounter along the way should be freed of their earthly shell. “If you prove your dedication to freedom, the resources of Andoran will be at your disposal in your future endeavors.”
Dagnud mutters something about silly cleric weapons, but if there's time after the party and before the we set out, he'll go out and buy a heavy mace.
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While not having much time for self-aggrandizement and cockiness, Harnac is experienced enough in the minor politics of his small clan and their neighbors to NOT insult someone of some stature out-of-hand (at least until they prove to deserve it!)--but also not to commit to anything until one is as sure as one can be of intentions on all sides.
Hack takes the warnings, and invitations, with decent grace. He offers the stranger a firm handshake. Aye, sir, 'tis a good bit 'o wisdom to be prepared for the worst. And 'tis another good bit 'o wisdom to do the poor folk under the curse of undeath the favor of removing their rotting shells to allow their souls to pass on. If'n I can make the world a better place in such a small way, me axe'll be leadin' the way. Thank 'ye fer the invitation to the Andoran fold, sir. I wish ye luck in yer endeavours, as well as our own!
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Fel wants to procure some sort of a ten foot pole. He would like to find one laying around if possible, but if necessary he will purchase one.
How about a collapsable one? Two 5 foot sections that screw into each other?
Either way hang some ribbons or a mop from one end when its tied to your backpack then you can match your avatar better.Other then picking up some food for provisions. Sumac is ready to go in the morning.
Hey guys. Power's out. Posting will be sporadic.
Sumac, based on your briefing as well as additional scuttlebutt, you have lucked out. Absalom, being one of the oldest and most storied cities in the world is a city built on the ruins of other past cities. The number of ruins and wrecks are innumerable. This particular one is just outside the city. As for the size, it hasn't been fully explored (that's your job.)
As you prepare to leave and grab 40 winks (20 in Sumac's case), one final guest stops and looks to chat with you. He raises one eyebrow at Chud's appearance, but otherwise appears focused on talking with you subtly in contrast to the Major's earlier request.
“Good evening, I am Trade-Prince Aaqir al’Hakam. Like a fast-spoken djinn, I’ll get to the quick. I know where you are going. House Damaq of Qadira claim the ruin, but we are willing to allow you access for the price of a small deed easily accomplished during your adventure. You will be well compensated, I assure you, for profits are most rewarding when shared. I assume treasure-seekers like yourselves are interested in such a proposition?” Without waiting for an answer, he continues, his eyes intent and his posture rigid. “The ruin is Qadiran, which is why we claim it, and we are willing to defend it, but there are really only certain things leftin Asad’s Keep we are interested in: trade agreements, of which we believe there to be many within the ruins. All we ask that you do is to turn over all trade agreements you find to us as soon as you return to Absalom, as we will be able to hold the signers to them even centuries after their signing. “The satrap of Qadira—nay, the entire Padishah Empire of Kelesh—has much to offer the Pathfinder Society, and I personally have no qualms about sharing those resources with you, specifically. Shall we shake on this agreement?”
Trade-Prince Aaqir al’Hakam HA! You speak with a Sczarni tongue my friend. Don't you worry about paying the taxes. With the claim found we can negotiate the taxes after the fact, but rest assured no one is better equipped than a Trade-Prince of Qadira!
Anyone want to go shopping before heading to the ruin? Once all parties check in, we'll begin...
Dagnud buys 2 days rations and a heavy mace.
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Hack will also buy some iron rations (but is saving his money for a masterwork double axe--that's expensive!!)
FYI, Sumac doesnt buy iron rations. He isnt worried about needing food to last extended periods of time. He would prefer to enjoy his food if possible. It only has to last a few days. Bread, honey, salted meats, potatoes, a few veggies, nuts...
As soon as Fel posts, we're on.
...The journey to the ruin is more arduous than expected, and the travel is thirsty work. Still, in just a few hours after breakfast, you find the gully described. At the end of the gully, about fifteen feet above the ground on a cliff face, is an ancient, ironbound door. Its wood is dried and cracked. Directly in front of the door is a steep slope of rubble and dust-crusted debris that, as luck would have it, provides a path—albeit a rough and difficult one— right up to the door.
You don't see anything that would make you think otherwise.
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Oi, I'll go first. 'Tis familiar ground fer me.
Hack deliberates between crossbow and axe, finaly setting upon axe, to have in hand while ascending.
On a separate note, I took a racial trait of "rock stepper" which allows ignoring difficult terrain for 5' steps on steep steps/rocky ground.
Mass Perception Check:
Chud
Fel
Dagnud
Harnac
Sumac
Harnac, as you begin to make your way up the scrabble you catch a creature hiding in the shadows. She...it... sees you catch sight of her....it. It's a humanoid creature once female, with long and sharp teeth. Its pallid flesh is stretched tightly over its starved frame. It's head jerks, and expression softens as the foul light of undeath drains from its eyes somewhat. She straightens from her crouch, and calls out to the Harnac. “Friends, it is I, Maurit Zergo, a Pathfinder as well, even in this horrid form. I can help you, if you will take the help of someone as damned as I.” She almost seems normal and living for a second, but soon shambles back to her crooked slouch...
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Hrum, Missy, you seem to be a bit lacking in the, er, "life" area, ainche?? Wouldn't it be a greater mercy fer us to enjer cursed existance quick and clean than to letche keep in yer "horrid form?" And, how is it ye can be talkin' to us like ye was normal, warm folk when all I ever hear about the undead is they be shamblin' husks, wantin only to snuff out life when they see it??
Sense Motive:
What is this thing? Knowledge(religion):
Harnac, you get the impression that she's barely holding it together and that the slightest push will send her over the edge...
Unfortunately the bad angle, weird disposition, and the extra helping of eggs at breakfast leaves Chud and Dagnud confounded as to her taxonomy.
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Boys, I be thinkin' this one still has some soul in her. I ain't never heard of such a thing, but I ain't much for book learnin' anyhow.
Hack lowers his axe and takes a step closer to the . . . thing, slowly extending a friendly hand. Now missy, what's going on in there? Here Hack taps his head. How are ye keeping . . . yerself in there? And most important, how can WE help YOU??
Sense Motive:
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The halfling mounted on Grip, loads a sling bullet. Undeath is outside the natural order of thing. The druid does not like this situation. While he pities the poor wretched creature, he feels like Harnac should give her a clean death and set her soul free.
Sumac has never heard of an undead creature with a soul before. He fears she may loose control and be the death of the party at an inopportune time.
How long have you been like this? Can we approach you? How do we know you wont lose control of yourself and kill us? The halfling sighs with sadness. Perhaps we could best serve you by giving you rest and ending your unnatural existence
*quietly to Sumac* Careful Sumac...I don't trust this thing one bit, but let's see what it has to say. After that, though, I'm with you all the way.
Dagnud has one hand resting on his sword, his gaze fixed on the creature.
Today...it was today. I, I think I can hold on to help.
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Hack gives a start of surprise. Ye were turned to this state TODAY?? By me great uncle Hubert, I never . . . I be saddened we were too late to help ye. What can ye tell us about this place, missy? And what can we do to aid ye in yer state? Because . . . here he grips his lowered axe tellingly . .. we'll do it.
I....I... I need to eat. The hunger is overwhelming. It's...painful. But I can help. I can still ea...help. Tell me the treasures you seek and I'll guide you to them. I'll guide you to treasure, then you guide me to food. I need food. So hungry. Need flesh...
Dagnud draws his sword and moves to the square south of Harnac. How did you come to be like this?
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Fel begins chatting with the creature in a friendly way, asking questions and attempting to establish a rapport with it. After about a minute of friendly interaction, Fel is fairly certain the creature thinks better of the group than it did earlier. If it was secretly hostile before, it should at least be less so now.