GM Aarvid - PFS #4-05: The Sanos Abduction - A (Inactive)

Game Master GM Aarvid

Gameplay

Greeting fellow Pathfinders.

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Shiela Heidmarch
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The renowned Venture-Captain Sheila Heidmarch strides
into her study at the Magnimar lodge.

Her eyes scan the space with habitual vigilance, honed by years of successful adventuring.
Satisfied that there’s nothing amiss, she stands
behind her desk, and turns her blade-like attention to the
party before her.

“The Pathfinder Society has long been interested in the First
World—the otherworldly realm of the fey. By all accounts the
fey homeland is dangerous, bizarre, and entirely unpredictable.
It’s the very type of place sane people avoid, and Pathfinders
flock toward.

“Countless expeditions and research teams have been
dispatched over the years to investigate regions where the
boundaries between the First World and our own Plane
grow threadbare. Sanos Forest, which lies to the east of this
very lodge, is one such place. The Pathfinder Society’s latest
research party is currently stationed there, under the capable
direction of the druid Ignizi Dinnelletter.

“Dinnelletter doesn’t normally work well with others,
but this time she’s got several newly recruited Pathfinders
assisting her. We thought it prudent that she pass on some
of her best practices, just in case. After all, we Pathfinders
are not known for our longevity. Dinnelletter is entirely self sufficient,
but unfortunately the same cannot be said for
her five trainees. Consequently, Ignizi’s station needs to be
resupplied periodically, something the Magnimar lodge has
taken responsibility for. You lot have been chosen to make the
next supply run to Sanos Forest, and will leave first thing in the
morning. It’s not a glamorous detail, but the fey forest never
lacks for intrigue, and I’m sure you’ll make the most of it.

“Your mission is simple: Deliver a pack horse loaded with
supplies to Dinnelletter’s cottage in Sanos. I don’t expect any
problems, but you never know with the fey. If Ignizi needs any
additional help, please assist her in any way possible. And do try
to be patient. Ignizi can be a handful.”

Kuraishimo bows gently, placing his left fist into his right hand.

what time of day is it? My character will want to go buy stuff to prepare for the trip properly. And are all character posts (talking) in bold to differentiate them?

Greetings She says in a serious tone, politely bowing her head.
After the introduction to their mission she asks May I go supply myself properly for the journey ahead, now that I know what we are going to do?

Assume it is mid morning. And yes, bold usually signifies dialogue. Italics are used for internal thoughts and ooc are used for out of character questions. Use the discussion thread for longer questions or really off topic items...like how was GenCon or if you will be traveling and unable to post for a day or two etc.
.

The Chelish adventurer nods silently, letting out a small sigh.

Errand boy... is that what I've become? I was better off pillaging those Chelish vessels near Bloodcove. Did she mention fey? You never know, it might be worthwhile after all.

Very well, Venture-Captain Heidmarch, we will depart as soon as everyone is ready. By the way, what do we know about Ignizi's team's goals?

Turning to the rest of the crew, the former Chelish nobleman bows. Rysalius Starnon, at your service. By the looks of it, I'm going to be your chronicler for this expedition, even though our task may seem a meager opportunity to amass glory and fame.

Does my character know anything about the fey, or Sanos forest, or this Ignizi? Should I make knowledge checks?

Knowledge checks are good at this point. I will send faction missions via PM once everyone has posted..

What knowledge skills should we roll?

Kaptain Heidmarch, how did the previous supply runs to Dinnelletter fair? What troubles did they need to overcome?
I would not think temperate forests should require exceptional equipment.

I wonder what details can I remember about what Ignizi might be encountering or investigating?
knowledge, arcana (ancient mysteries, magic traditions, arcane symbols, constructs, dragons, magical beasts): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
knowledge, dungeoneering (aberrations, caverns, oozes, spelunking): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

Before we leave I better see what rumors or common knowledge I can dig up on Ignizi or the area she is currently exploring.
diplomacy, gather information: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

Well guys, looks like we have an ale run. Should be uneventful unless this Dinnelletter has uncovered something interesting.
Should combat occur I do not use weapons, but I can conjur arcane creatures to distract the opposition. My other powers generally serve to interfere with the actions of the other side.

If I recall the map correctly, Magnimar is in a fairly temperate region. But what time of year is it (will we need to use our cold weather gear)?
Do the rest of you have mounts? Lavode does not currently have a horse, but will purchase one if he is the only one on foot.

At Rysalius's comment on fame and glory she answers Every mission is not just to amass glory and fame. The fact that pathfinders of our class is asked to do such a basic task means all is not right with the supply line. She turns to the Captain Am I at least right in my assumption Captain? Her tone is polite but serious and a hint of irritation towards Rysalius.

Hope the rest of the group isn't so centered on what they get out of this venture as he is, and hopefully they can all think logically in situations

This irritation and hoping they think logically comes from a previous encounter where some in the party didn't and it nearly cost them the adventure

Lets start with kn:local, kn:Geography or Kn:Nature for any interested. It is early summer for the travel and weather.

Venture Captain Heidmarch pauses then responds to the questions. Turning to Ingra first.

"Yes, anything you can purchase today is fine.
The pack horse and supplies will be ready in the
morning at the east gate. Do not be late. They are
counting on those supplies."

Turning next to Lavode then Rysalis.

"Dinnelletter’s shopping list is always a little eccentric.
It consists mostly of alchemical supplies and food—nothing worth
stealing. If you run into any trouble on the road, it won’t
be because of the cargo.”

"Ignizi is originally from Whistledown,
the gnome settlement just
to the east of Sanos Forest. She joined the
Pathfinders as a young gnome, and was a
very capable adventurer in her day—a little
difficult to work with, but effective. As she
grew older, she returned to her homeland
to study the First World’s influence on the
Material Plane, eventually becoming the
preeminent researcher in the field. She still
looks young and wide-eyed, but don’t be
fooled. She knows how to get what she wants.”

She pauses waiting for the next question...

Venture Captain Heidmarch looks out the window as if she is expecting company.

"Only four of you. I was expecting six for this mission. I anticipate we will be joined by a couple others shortly. I would be remiss if I sent you out into the forest underprepared for the mission."

As if that was the sign a woman drops in.

Excuse me! Important preparations tool longer than expected. I hope i am not too late!

Without pause, she continues.

Let me introduce myself, my name is Pai Song, one of the thousands of beautyful daughters of the Padisha.

Kuraishimo will gather his stuff and be ready to travel as soon as the group is.

The venture captain greets the young woman and lets her into her office.

"Welcome Pai Song. I was just going over the mission with the others. I am sure they can fill you in on the details. As soon as the last of the team arrives, you will be free to prepare for tomorrow morning. And please do try to be on time." Shiela Heidmarch makes the last comment with a hint of a smile, but only a hint.

Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

Rysalius nods at the Qadiran and beams a charming smile to her, despite the fact he could be her grandfather. Rysalius Starnon, my lady, charmed.

Then turning to Lady Heidmarch once again.

I shall buy a horse for myself before we leave. I'm afraid I've spent too much time at sea lately. By the way, how long is the journey expected to be?

I'll buy a light combat-trained horse (110gp) and enough trail rations to last the journey, including the return trip... unless they are already provided?

Dotting . Will join soon. Playing pregen ranger

Again addressing Rysalius...

"The trip will take several days, but we will provide necessary rations.
You are responsible for any other equipment, mounts, supplies you may require."

She studies Lavode as if anticipating what he may be thinking...

"As to the questions on what is Ignizi Dinnelletter researching?
That’s a question I’m keen to learn the
answer to myself. Ignizi’s reputation affords
her something of a carte blanche when it
comes to matters of First World research
and we won’t know exactly what she’s
up to until she has finally concluded
her work. Knowing Ignizi, though, it
will likely mean trouble.”

I knew something wasn't as it seems, they have had some trouble. Maybe not with the route but the proximity to the fey realm or something. Best be ready for their trickery.

Ingra will listen attentively to the others questions, maybe more will come to light that she has not thought of yet.

When they depart she will go to town and get a coldiron dwarven long hammer with its first enchantment, cost should be 4150gp if I'm correct?

Buying a light combat-trained horse, as well as saddlebags and a saddle. Total: 110+10+4= 124gp

Will we need horses? I´m not used to riding myself actually.

"Horses are not required, and walking is fine. Beasts of burden may help with carrying the trail rations for the journey. You can always carry supplies on your back or forage and hunt along the way."

If all the others ride Pai Song wants to ride too of course. She has the nice idea of buying herself a giant frilled lizard from animal archive, which she is able to talk to actually. Can i teach that thing a trick before we arrive there?

Buying:
-Giant Frilled Lizard Combat Trained 550gp
-Exotic Military Saddle 60gp
-2x Saddle bags 8gp
-Training Harness Lizard Giant Frilled 10gp
-Training Sleeve 5gp
-Carnivore Feed 10 days 5SP
Overall Cost: 633,5gp


The animal called Lizzie from now on is carrying that stuff in the saddle bags. If possible will teach her attack everything now or on the travel.

Handle Animal: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (18) + 11 = 29

@Pai Song - sounds good. Can you post the page for the lizard...I do not have that resource and would be interested in seeing it.

The Venture Captain walks towards the front door.

"Well, we have waited long enough. The supplies must be delivered or I fear the consequences. So, if there are no more questions, I will wish you five the best of luck. Go explore and report...and please stay alive. If the sixth member arrives I will send them to meet with you in the morning."

Posted the stats on my charsheet. It´s also in Bestiary 3. With so few martials this might come in quite handy depending on enemies^^

Especially since i can enchant and at will talk to that beast. Didn´t think of that before, quite enthusiastic right now!

As you spend the rest of the day making preparations and purchases, each of you receive your faction mission from a fellow
contacts in Magnimar.

Please reply back to the PM that I sent with your faction mission, and include your email address (for the chronicle upon completion) and your PFS# for session tracking. That way I know you received it.

Next you see Pai Song after she went off to make some shopping, she returns riding large beast of a lizard, which she now and then gently pads on the back, talking to him in a strange hissing voice, which the lizard seems to understand and sometimes answers.

Well i´m ready, how are you? By the way, if we meet some fey there, i want to make some research and have something to talk about with them. So please, even if they attack, don´t kill them right away. Better let me try to argue with them and negotiate. Can you do that please?

Rysalius nods. Absolutely, those are usually sentient creatures and can be reasoned with, unlike beasts governed by their own instincts.

On another topic, in the event that we should get hurt, what means of healing have we got? I have a wand of healing myself, and can use yours as well if you have any

Wand of CLW (50/50) here. Since I'm the only one able to use them automatically, does anyone want to lend me theirs and we can split charges at the end of the adventure? Or anyone has a wand of infernal healing?

[ooc]how do I buy a wand of CLW? [\ooc]

2pp or 750gp

ok, Will spend the 2pp for it then, also 50 charges? Once I have final answers, will make changes to char sheet

Once Ingra is done with her purchases, she will spend the night somewhere and be waiting for the group at the east gate before sunrise. When the others arrive she looks over Pai's new mount and comments Interesting choice of mount? But it seems fit for the journey Then she turns to Rysalius and says Yes I have one of those, you may use it for the trip seeing as you know more of these things, and from previous experience we might just use a lot of it....

Now, where are the others?
She hands the wand to Rysalius from a pocket while mouthing the last comment

Sorry again... need to change the default somehow to Ingra for now

yes, 50 charges for new wand

Don't worry, it happens to me all the time! And yes, it has 50 charges.

Accepting Ingra's gnarly wand, Rysalius cannot help but looking around, seeing if the two remaining companions are coming.

I do have some arcane healing on my own. Not all like it though. It has a taint to it, due to the nature of the magic, hehehe. Rysalius, i noticed you ahve some wands too. Is this one there a wand of shield? I do have a wand of armor, combined this could get a strong protection. We have an unusual amount of storng arms here to keep unfit subjects away. Might be the case that we are forced to have closer contact with some of them. I´ll be glad for every layer of magical protection between them and me then!

hey, who says its a gnarly wand :P Ingra at least has some standards.

Well at least we have the magics covered on this trip, hopefully that means less trickery from they fey, or more that we can deal with. If the others just show up......

I will hang onto my healing wand. I can usually use it without much trouble and it is better to not have them all in 1 place in an emergency.

I am no giant like many of these Pathfinder brutes. I don't relish a trek through the wilderness carrying all my supplies. I have the coin, so I will get a mount.
Lavode heads out to purchase a standard mount.

combat trained light horse (110 gps), military saddle (20 gps), couple of saddlebags (4 gps ea), 10 days feed (5 cps ea) - Total 138 gps 5 sps.

While he is out he tries to see what info or at least rumors he can dig up. I rolled a 23 on gather info before or I can roll again if you want.

You five are able to make your purchases and the pack horse is at the eastern gate in the morning as promised.

The journey will take several days, so to save time now, please establish whatever marching order and watches for each evening when you camp.

Also, who is leading the pack horse with the supplies?

Ingra will take whichever space the party belives is best for her to take, be it front or back. Also I suggest that the packhorse take the middle, and not me leading it, no skillpoints in handle animal...

Forgot to mention, I can take one of the midnight shifts, got dark vision

I'd suggest Ingra to be first, me second, and the tougher spellcaster at the back. Alternatively I can go last, lest we should be attacked from behind. By the looks of if, Pai should probably be in the middle with the pack horse, since she's the only one with a decent score in handle animal.

As for the watches, it's going to be tight with four arcane spellcasters out of five team members. I'd suggest a lineup like this:

Pai (2 hours)
Rysalius (2 hours)
Ingra (2 hours)
Lavode(2 hours)
Kuraishimo (2 hours)

That way every arcane caster except me gets his 8 hours' sleep, and during the eleventh hour Lavode and I continue sleeping (because of the interruption in our sleep) to get our spells back too while Pai, Ingra and Kuraishimo can get ready to go, pack camp, etc. Does it sound good?

Seems most think Ignizi is trying to find a portal to the fey first world.

I have a Ring of Sustenance. So I can stand more watch time if necessary. But I only have low light vision not dark vision. I would suggest you at the back Rysalius since you have a better AC than I do. Although my mage armor now lasts 5 hours. So I will take it if you want.

It's all right, I don't mind being at the back. So we're looking at a marching order like this: Ingra, Kuraishimo, Pai (with pack horse), Lavode, Rysalius.

The lizard is not only a pack horse. If possible by terrain i will use him to eat foes. I might want to be on top of it then, cause that way i could cat burning hands from relative safety.
Also if you don´t mind Rysalius, we could exchange wand charges. I give you mage armor and protection from evil and you give me and the lizard a shield. That way there would be three of us having +10 AC

wouldnt surprise me. They are strange beings, who knows what strange connections they have with this world.
Oh, and Pai, if they attack me or any of the party, I will defend untill they stop. And most things I hit tend to go away rather quickly. So any talking you want to do with the fey better happen before that does.

Pai: Mage armor won't stack with my chain shirt. Shield for PfE sounds alright, but we should cast them before fight if we have a chance. There are much more optimal choices to cast during a fight, and they only last 1 minute each.

GM Aarvid, I think we are arranged now. Rysalius has are marching order and our watch schedule.

Right with the stacking. And of course want to cast that out of comabt if we see it coming. In combat i can do other things too i hope.

That sounds very good Ingra. I guess i might be a bit qwuicker than you in that armor anyway. But if we are approached by Fey and they don´t attack immediately, please give me a chance for negotiations. Should they fail you are free to do with them as you please.