Feral's Frozen Fingers [PFS] (Inactive)

Game Master Feral

You have been called to the Grand Lodge of Absalom for a briefing. Seated in a small chamber around a darkwood table, various trophies gathered from across the face of Golarion hang from the walls. A monkey-shaped mask with a serpent’s tongue glares out from the center of one wall, a strange halberd with gold rings piercing its thick blade and dragons carved along its haft hangs opposite the monkey mask. You are alone save your fellow Pathfinders, who apparently have been called here for the same purpose.

Feel free to post a description and brief introduction when you dot.

Narayan Singh is a simple man. He tries very hard to find the good in situations. Right now he has been somewhat bored, so he is looking over the various trophies, clearly considering giving the halberd a try. It reminds him of weapons he has seen closer to home, weapons wielded by Nagaji with less love for their fellows than Narayan holds in his heart.

Narayan is simply dressed. He has a few weapons on his person, but wears only clothes of simple cloth as protection from blades and the environment.

Narayan's grin upon meeting his new friends is... unsettling, but entirely heartfelt. His jaw juts out over a very short neck, which with his broad shoulders gives him a somewhat squat appearance even though he stands comfortably over 6' tall.

A short, reed-thin form sits at the small table, eyes intently studying the various artifacts around the room. The figure is visible as little more than a shadow against the darkwood table, his dark grey skin blending into the shadows in the room. He wears an odd armored coat, small discs of steel and miniature plates of leather and horn sewn onto it piecemeal, and a closer look reveals that his skin is similarly scattered with odd designs. White dots on his dark skin form spirals, jagged zigzags, and other odd geometric patterns, though these patterns are marred in places by scar tissue. One particularly large patch of scar, a lighter grey than the surrounding skin, obliterates all but the edges of an intricate dot-pattern on the small person’s left cheek.

It takes him quite a while to recognize that others have joined him in the room, though once he does, his attention is drawn to Narayan's scaled skin. "You are a nagaji, are you not? I have not met one of your kind before. Fascinating!" He shifts a belt that runs diagonally across his scrawny chest, its burden of small bottles, flasks and vials shifting and rattling slightly as he does so. His curiosity getting the better of him, he extends a long-slender finger as if to poke at the muscular arm before him, then stops himself before saying, in a quiet voice, "I am Kesuraman." He looks at his extended hand as if thinking hard about what to do with it, then extends it in greeting to Narayan.

Dot

A stocky half-elf tromps into the room. He has been close at hand for some time, perhaps half an hour, but has waited for others to arrive first to make sure it is the right one. Many vials containing liquids of varying color and consistency hang at his belt, and he wears an unseasonably bulky and warm coat under a fine, if rather stained, chain shirt bearing the colorful songbird of Shelyn on the left shoulder. Having long since given up on wearing his backpack for more than ten minutes on end if he can help it, due to the mounting discomfort it poses, he now drags it across the floor. It jangles merrily, giving off a slight odor of sulphur. His few patches of visible skin aside from his face are an eery bleached white.

Upon taking a seat and another for his pack, Orrin promptly stands up again. "Hello there!" he exclaims. "I am Orrin, Orrin Ryota. I'm here for the mission! I must say I haven't heard much, though, does anyone know what we're here to do? What talents do you bring to the table? I, aided by a combination of years-honed martial prowess and mystic alchemy, bring the fight directly to my foes." All this is said in a blur, as if he had been painstakingly compiling it in his mind, and, now that the time had come to say it, it was just as quickly unraveling.

"I am also an expert on the body and its inner workings. If one was to try and drown me, best of luck to them; I've been known to go under for 14 hours at a time!" A nervous laugh, punctuating the silence that follows.

I am pleased to meet you Orrin, Kessuraman, I ssee the good in things. Alsso, I am sskilled at crushing my foes with the sstrength of a Dragon.

Be at peacce, Kessuraman. I will not crush you. You may feel my sscales if you wish. Narayan gives a crocodilian grin as he makes this offer.

At Narayan's word of assent, and promise not to crush him, Kesuraman nods and extends two long fingers, running them along the nagaji's scales and making a series of quiet observations to no one in particular, "Fascinating, most fascinating! I wonder if they have a keratinoid structure? Is their purpose to reduce friction as in true serpents, or defensive, like the scales of a dragon?" Glancing upwards at the snake-man's face, he observes, "A significant supraocular ridge, as pronounced as that of a naga -" He interrupts himself as a question occurs to him, and he asks Narayan, "Do you molt? I mean, do you shed your skin as a single piece?"

In response to Orrin's questions, Kesuraman says, his voice still quite faint, "I have heard nothing about the assignment other than the request to come to this place. But I, too, am a student of alchemy, though I use it rather differently. I use the energy produced by the reactions to generate explosions - which are rather startlingly loud, but quite effective when they occur on top of someone who wishes to do me harm." Digesting Orrin's explanation of his studies a moment, the wayang replies, "Fourteen hours you say? Most intriguing! I have never attempted to quantify the capacity of my lungs in that fashion, but I am sure the duration of your residence time under water would exceed mine by orders of magnitude."

I do molt. Though whether one sheds their skin as a whole or in part, the change is the same.

This is Cenorin's character - I decided to go with the enchantment/social sorceress. I still need to fill out some of the fine details in the profile, but I didn't want to hold things up.

Yanabuchi Kasumi (named in the Japanese style, so Yanabuchi is the family name) is a slight woman. Currently in her human form, she wears elegantly-fashioned robes of red, white, and gold. Her voice is soft and melodious, and she smiles gently and bows to greet you, but her golden eyes carry a hint of mischievous cunning.

"Hello there. You may call me Kasumi. It's good to see other faces from the Dragon Empires here - I haven't met many others since I arrived in Absalom."

The clearly undine man sits quietly waiting for the assignment. The slits on his throat flap occasionally as he considers the various artifacts he can see from his chair.

When the others look to him for an introduction, he stands and says, "I am Korez. I am interested in protecting and preserving history of all types- from artifacts to writings to oral traditions. So of course the Pathfinder Society was a perfect fit. Although sometimes I feel a bit like a fish out of water here." He lets out a loud single "HA!" at his joke and quickly retakes his seat.

Updated and ready to go!

Finally, a huge man wearing creaking leathers marches into the room. He looks at each of you, as if he were appraising a handful of gemstones freshly pulled from the earth, and nods curtly. Some of you know him as Adril Hestram, a longtime Pathfinder and rumored to be the unwitting architect of the famed Katapesh slave riot of 4702. Adril’s physique puts most half-orcs to shame.

“Welcome, friends. We have a serious problem. Skelg the Ripper came to Absalom one month ago. Like many Ulfen warriors he joined the Longaxes, the Taldan Emperor’s personal guard whose duty it is to protect the embassy and Taldan visitors. Skelg also dropped a hefty sum of gold to purchase a manor in the Ivy district, something a Longaxe isn’t paid well enough to do. It is widely assumed that he brought most of his wealth with him from the north — a rumor I know to be true."

“It seems that Skelg also brought a curse with him. In his letter to me, he speaks of lying abed in this miserable summer dying from the cold. Neither physician nor priest has been able to cure his ailment, and there are no signs of disease or poison. Of course, for such a man, there is no greater dishonor than to die in bed instead of in battle."

“Normally, the Pathfinder Society would monitor these events and let the authorities deal with them. However, there are three factors that have drawn our interest. First, Skelg is himself a member of our Society and has asked for our help. Second, he is a personal friend of mine, and finding a sparring partner as worthy as Skelg to replace him would be a trying task. Last, he claims that artifacts of great power are involved, and that we may be able to recover them for the vaults of the Grand Lodge."

“We view this situation as having enough importance to assign you to investigate it. Go to the home of Skelg the Ripper, learn what you can, and do your best to help him. If you find an item that is somehow connected to the curse, either retrieve it or glean as much information as you can about it."

“I trust there are no questions?”

I have, of coursse, many quesstionss, but the ansswerss sseem to lie with Sskelg.

Narayan turns to his new friends, I am in readinesss to depart.

Wow, I didn't realize I was holding things up quite that much. Sorry about that - I'll be more responsive once I've got my character details sorted out.

"I'm sorry to hear that such a thing has happened to your friend," says Kasumi, extending a comforting hand. "If you don't mind my asking, how long have you known Skelg? Also, you say that he seems to have brought this curse with him - has he been in a bad way since he arrived, or is it possible that whatever happened to him happened after arriving in Absalom?"

Korez nods along gravely as he listens to the details. "Your friend's illness is very unfortunate and we shall do all we can to aid him. If I may, you mentioned Skelg's fortune? Might it have anything to do with his current condition?"

Kesuraman nods at the newly-introduced Pathfinders, listening closely to the briefing given by Hestram. He awaits the answers to the various questions thrown out while searching through his mental library for any useful information he might bring to bear.

Any Knowledge checks we can make?

"This is...distressing," Orrin remarks after a few seconds, nodding in greeting to Kasumi and Korez. "I suppose the knowledge we seek, as our honorable VC and Narayan have said, lies with Skelg. Given that, I believe we should make haste to his home. Is he expecting us visitors from the Society?"

"I'm sorry to hear that such a thing has happened to your friend," says Kasumi, extending a comforting hand. "If you don't mind my asking, how long have you known Skelg?"

"Longer than you've been servin' the Society", Adril answers bluntly.

"Also, you say that he seems to have brought this curse with him - has he been in a bad way since he arrived, or is it possible that whatever happened to him happened after arriving in Absalom?"

Korez nods along gravely as he listens to the details. "Your friend's illness is very unfortunate and we shall do all we can to aid him. If I may, you mentioned Skelg's fortune? Might it have anything to do with his current condition?"

“If I knew, I would have said. Go ask Skelg.”

...I believe we should make haste to his home. Is he expecting us visitors from the Society?"

"Yes. Now get going."

Kesuraman stands, looks around absent-mindedly while patting his pockets and pouches, then leaves the room. When the others come out after him, he's standing in the hall, unsure whether to turn left or right.

"Understood. Thank you for your time." Kasumi bids farewell and joins Kesuraman in the hallway.

When she's sure that they're out of earshot, she makes a bit of a face. "Is he always like that?"

A naga never sswimss acrosss the ssame river twicce.
It is not the ssame river.
It is not the ssame naga.

Perhapss the nexst time Adril is not brussque.
Perhapss the nexst time he does not ssmell of time-ripened cheese.

With their mission before them the party sets out for Skelg's manor. Fortunately the location of 'Greydog Manor' is fairly common knowledge.

***

Parkview Street is true to its name, running the entire length of the Ivy District park. Standing like a tomb in a flower garden, Greydog Manor is easy to find. Six-foot-high walls surround the massive, stone building and an immense iron gate flanked by granite statues of hunting dogs stands open, offering access to the interior. Looking along the street, it is clear that locals give the estate a wide berth. The stone walls seem to give a slight chill to the air, which is not entirely unpleasant on such a hot day. The front gate is unlocked and unguarded.

The manor's courtyard is cool and shady compared to the street outside. Dead leaves are scattered across the flagstones and the granite steps where two Ulfen warriors stand. Each man wears a chain shirt and a surcoat bearing the Taldan crest and carries the traditional imperial guard long axe.

The guards look at you sternly, and one of them speaks. "Skelg is ill. He wants no visitors.”

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Surprising that a free spirit would chain themselves behind walls. Perhaps that is the cause of his malady

Yess. He is.
Do not worry friends.
Ssoon he will be well again.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10
Edited.

"We know he is ill, that is why we're here," Orrin says curtly. "And we were under the impression he expected and welcomed visitors, namely, us. It appears, however, that some sickness has spread; What else would cause one to wear their coat backwards? But perhaps it would be better if you were to explain."

The guards seem neither impressed by the party's presence or persuaded by your words.

"There was a mistake. Skelg has decided he would rather die in peace. See yourselves out", the northerner growls.

Sense Motive: 1d20 ⇒ 19

Narayan stops grinning.

Sskelg would not cower sso.
Let uss in.
I will grieve if Sskelg or anyone elsse is hurt by your sstubbornnesss.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18

"Indeed. Perhaps you should show yourselves out, before this has to get...Problematic."

Intimidate (aid): 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (4) - 2 = 2

The guards take a step back when Narayan starts throwing his weight around.

"Have it your way. Follow us", one says as he turns to reach for the manor's doors... only to grab his axe instead!

Initiative: 6d20 ⇒ (13, 17, 3, 13, 17, 14) = 77

Kesu, Korez, and Yana are up.

Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 20
Sense Motive: 1d20 ⇒ 9
Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14

How big is the courtyard? Or more importantly, how far are we from the main street? I ask because if violence is about to break out in view of the public, Kasumi will want to make sure that it's clear that the guards attacked first.

I linked a map at the top of the campaign. You're a good 40-50 feet away from the main street and behind a thick stone wall. Also, you noticed folks seemed to give the place a wide berth.

You don't need to roll initiative. I typically roll it for everyone. You're up now.

How are you treating the pond shown on the map? Is it just difficult terrain, or is it like a pool and you actually need to swim through it?

It's very shallow. Treat it as difficult terrain.

Kasumi moves out into the pond to give herself some space, then makes a series of intricate hand gestures that produces a brilliant array of colors that washes over the two guards (casts Color Spray, Will DC 15).

Wills: 2d20 ⇒ (10, 4) = 14

Both guards groan as Kasumi's spell overwhelms their senses. They slump to the ground unconscious.

Encounter over!

"Wow, Kasumi, that was incredible! No wounds, little noise, nothing!" Orrin exclaims. "Will they be out for long? Either way, we should take their arms for the time being." With that, the half-elf sets about collecting the guards' weapons, passing them around if requested. He then checks the door to see if it is locked.

In addition to their hefty longaxes, Orrin finds a pair of keys on the fallen guards.

"Excellent work!" Kesuraman exclaims. "Kasumi, was it? Very well done indeed, using the sensory overstimulation caused by a scintillating chromatic array to render them unconscious! And all while standing in a pond..."

Letting the larger Pathfinders lead the way, he suggests they head inside.

Korez gives a small clap in appreciation of Kasumi's success. "Very well done my dear. Perhaps we shall have to compare notes on such displays."

Korez does as Kesuraman suggests and heads inside the manor. "Those keys must be useful for something in here."

perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

Kasumi smiles. "Thank you. Too bad it doesn't always work quite that well." She turns her gaze to the downed guards. "They won't be out for long, but maybe that's a good thing. Narayan, you want to give the evil eye another try and see if they're a little more inclined to share information when they're disarmed and tied up?"

Relaxing, Kasumi steps out of the small pond, frowning at the sound of sloshing water coming from her shoes. She looks over at Kesuraman and Orrin. "I don't suppose either of you has some kind of alchemical trick for quickly drying out shoes, do you?"

I hope no one's too disappointed that that happened to end the combat. I thought I'd better seize the opportunity to do something helpful while I could in case the rest of the scenario turns out to be fighting stuff that's immune to mind-affecting spells.

I fear Sskelg is unssafe. We should procceed.

While Korez is fiddling with the keys, Narayan focuses and strikes each guard in a pressure point.
They should ssleep longer now, he says as he tucks them in the bushes.

A nonlethal Coup de Grace a piece should keep them out of the way for a bit

I don't mind at all, Kasumi. Always nice to have one's tricks work out as planned!

Kesuraman considers Kasumi's request a moment, then says, "Why yes, there are any number of alchemical dessicants that would dry out your shoes more rapidly than ambient conditions would allow. On a more prosaic note, I have heard one can place a damp item in a sack of rice and place it in an oven, but I am skeptical....oh, you mean now? No, I've got nothing."

Not a problem, Kasumi. Also, how does a nonlethal Coup de Grace work? One of my players just used one, and I just made it work normally, because the target wasn't very important.

"If only I did, Kasumi, but perhaps you or Korez might be better suited for the task? From what I know of arcane magic, the simple spell prestidigitation works wonders for such things. Do you possess it?" All this is said with a turned back as Orrin tries the keys against the door, morningstar out.

"I do not possess that ability myself. It might just require time and warmth I fear."

"Unfortunately, I haven't learned Prestidigitation yet. I'll manage. Thanks anyway." Kasumi's known spells are Detect Magic, Light, Mage Hand, and Message at 0th level and Charm Person and Color Spray at 1st level. With that, Kasumi joins the party as they prepare to enter. In expectation of future combat, she draws her wand of Magic Missile.

I remembered it working similarly to a rogue being able to sneak attack nonlethally with a sap, but can't quickly find a source, so I think I was using one of those house rules you've been using so long you forget it's not in the rulebook :/

Regardless, Narayan should be able to punch unconscious people into long-lasting unconsciousness in about the same amount of time. Apologies though

That's fine. We can assume the guards are thoroughly incapacitated.

Korez quickly learns that one of the keys the party liberated from the guards opens the front doors to the manor where an elderly tian man seemingly awaits them.

"Honorable Pathfinders" he greets in heavily accented Taldane with a sharp bow. "Thank you for coming. My master needs your help. Please, follow me. We have no time to waste."

Despite the recent imposture, Narayan's mind is untroubled by doubt, and he cheerfully follows the majordomo.

It is a worthy sservant who placcess ssuch importancce on his masster's needs.
It is a worthy masster who insspires ssuch sservantss

With Narayan's approval the servant escorts him and the rest of the party to master bedroom on the manor's upper floor.

He opens the doors and the party is greeted by a blast of heat. A roaring fire blazes in the fireplace even though the day is swelteringly hot. A huge bearded man shivers under his blankets, his bed pushed dangerously close to the fire. Another thin elderly servant sits in the far corner by a window, fanning himself with a handkerchief. The bearded northerner looks at you and blinks a few times, then speaks through chattering teeth. “Are y-you P-path-f-finders?”

"Why, yes, we are," Kesuraman answers simply. After a pause, he realizes more may be expected of him in the conversation, and he adds, "You are Skelg, I take it? You do not look well."

"Ha! That's a f-f-f-f+*$ing understatement."

The servant that escorted the party upstairs steps forward. "The master found thieves within the manor's vault roughly a week ago. Fearing the master's strength, the intruders panicked and one of them shone the light from an enchanted lantern they had stolen afflicting him with this terrible curse. When the light from the lantern shone on a tapestry hanging on a wall in the hallway outside of the vault, a shimmering doorway appeared within it. The doorway frightened the thieves enough to flee the manor. The master was too weakened by the curse to chase after them."

"And after I shake this thing I'm gunna b-b-b-break their cowardly necks", Skelg adds in anger.