GM Chadius's Gameday VI: 8-05 Ungrounded But Unbroken (Table 2) (Inactive)

Game Master chadius

Another day, another mission for the Pathfinder Society. The Master of Spells Sorrina Westyr has invited you to a mission of some kind. You've heard rumors about it helping the Plane of Earth but that's about it.

On the door to her office it reads, Please enter on October 10. At least some other Pathfinders are here early.

Feel free to introduce yourselves, we won't start for a long time.

Imagine this like the introduction to a movie.
You hear some kind of dull noise. You hear it again. And again. And again.

”dance! Dance! DANCE! DANCE! DANCE! DANCE! DANCE! DANCE! DANCE!” The scene fades in and you see many people banging their tankards on tables. You’re in some kind of cafeteria.

The men and women here are clad in various suits of armor, all bearing the same symbol: some kind of gem pattern. The armor is worn, clearly used in many battles. Some are singed slightly. In the center of the room is a man with slate-gray skin, dancing as hard as he can. It’s clear entertainment isn’t his strong suit. The crowd cheers anyway, they are too drunk to care.

The scene pulls away from the mess hall, and pans across a rocky field for maybe a kilometer or two. Two figures, cast in shadow against the night sky, are at some kind of obstacle field. One of the voices, an elder female, shouts at the young male. ”No, put the rocks higher. Higher! I need them to fall when they start climbing, not before. If they pass this course it’s coming out of your hide!”

”Please Captain! I understand!” The male cries out, fear evident in his voice even as he struggles to lift the stones.

”Good.” As the woman turns around, a nearby torch lights up her mouth long enough to see her grin from ear to ear.

8-05: Ungrounded but Unbroken

Having just teleported back to Absalom from a tense mission in Druma, Ulena can't say she's particularly bothered by the wait for her next assignment. She sees her previous partner Dragos also waiting nearby, but she decides to leave him be as she heads back to her lodgings and takes a nice restful nap.

"What is October anyway?" She says, vowing to look up whatever that means in a nearby library soon.

Tita waltzes up to the door, arms swinging as she takes long, plodding steps. She crinkles her nose as her eyes scan the note upon the door, her mousey teeth poking between her lips.

"What's this then? She ain't be needin' us for more'n a fortnight!" She kicks the door with her dirty bare foot, but seems to immediately regret it as she curses under her breath. "Dirty ol' whore wastin' Tita's time..."

When she notices the Paladin, she lets a grin spread across her face, straightening up and giving a mock salute. "Oi there, you must be one o' me allies for this. Pleasure to meetcha, name's Tita!" She offers a hand, matted with dirt and blood not unlike the rest of her.

Tita has an INT of -2 and a CHA of -1, to represent her backstory of being a savage raised in the wilds. She lacks manners, etiquette, and sometimes common sense, but it will be fun to play!

"Oh, hi! Pleased to meet you!" Ulena smiles at the other woman and extends an armored hand to shake. If she noticed the blood and dirt she says nothing about it.

"Well, you certainly seem like a formidable ally, though I can't even begin to imagine what we might be handling for the Plane of Earth. What do you think? OH! I'm Ulena by the way, I always forget to introduce myself!" She giggles a little to herself.

"What do I think?" Tita snorts and shrugs. "It's the Earth Plane, I dunno. Rocks?" She chuckles, but it's unclear as to whether she was saying it as a joke.

She gives the rest of the room a glance, looking at who her other potential allies may be.

The top of a small blonde head can be seen poking up from behind the large fancy desk at the back of the room, some rummaging around can be heard followed by a couple of whispered phrases. "Oh that wasn't too bad!" And a small tea kettle can be seen being placed on top of the desk by a pair of small hands.

From behind the desk walks a boy, looking to be between 8-10 years old, holding a stack of papers, he clears his throat and speaks up to the pair of ladies "Good morning! Are you both here to answer the call of the Master of Spells? She'll be with you in a few minutes I'm sure. She's quite quite busy!"

He walks up to the pair and holds out a hand in greeting "I'm Frankie, Miss Westyr's most capable and personable great nephew and I'll be assisting you all here and preparing for the adventure that lies ahead!"

He hands them each a blank piece of paper and an ink pen "If you'll please write down the following information that'll prove more helpful! Lets see here... we need full names, official Society serial number... please note you can find that on the back of your wayfinder if you happen to have one.. as well as I'll be needing a list of your most incredible and notable skills of course. Prior experience, two references and.. favorite food! That should about cover it!"

A whistle goes off from the little teakettle on the desk and he scoots over quickly behind the desk with a mug and a small jar appearing next to it. "Anyone like some hot cocoa?"

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23
Tita hadn't noticed the little boy before, and jumps slightly when his head pokes from behind the desk to begin talking.

"Few minutes? She said she'd be a month..." Tita crinkles her nose in suspicion, then grabs the note from the boy's hand. "Wastin' our time, then sayin' she'll be here any minute and makin' us do paperwork. Make up ya mind you old bag."

Her voice trails off as she starts to scribble onto the note, but stops after writing her name, seemingly stuck on what to write. She eventually passes the paper back to the boy after a long pause.

Her face blushes a little pink when she passes the note back, folding it so Ulena doesn't see. At the mention of cocoa, her face lights up and she slams her hand to the desk. "Aye little one! A cocoa for Tita!"

The actual answers to the questions are of course in the Discussion thread.

Frankie nods along with Tita reassuringly "Oh yes a month for the ACTUAL mission, but she'll be along soon for the meeting before hand! Get us all up to speed and all!"

He takes the paper and reads it over, nodding excitedly. "Your first mission? Well why didn't you say so? If you've got any questions I'm happy to help answer them! I've been on LOTS of missions! Far away countries even!" He rushes back behind the desk once again and starts looking for another cup.

"You got a cup? I've only got the one!"

Currently my character is lost in the sewers so I won't be participating in the pre-briefing banter until he finishes his mission up. Just dotting so I can follow the thread.

Tita's eyes widen as Frankie talks, exclaiming, "You're but a wee lad! You must be a great warrior to have traveled the world and completed many missions!" Her teeth poke through her lips as she grins, expression one of slight embarrassment. "I was raised in the forests, this be more than just my first mission, it's my first time in a city!"

When faced with the crushing realization that there's only one cup her expression shifts to one of horror, but being the quick-witted girl she is, she snaps her fingers and reaches back to retrieve a waterskin. "Ol' Weston or whatever won't mind if her floors are a little wet." She states this like an irrefutable fact and proceeds to dump the contents of her waterskin directly onto the floor, freeing up the container and passing it to Frankie with a grin.

A young halfling walks through the door. Short of stature, even for a halfling, he has flowing blonde hair and an infectious grin. A long jagged scar runs along his throat, scarred and ugly - a startling comparison to his good looks. Along his back is a bow, at his side a quiver. A trumpet is stuck in his belt loop, with a worn fiddle hung below his bag.

He stops in the doorway, witnessing the barbarian woman poor the contents of her waterskin on the floor. He speaks in a rugged and scatchy voice. "Oye, I do hate it when I get to a party late! The wine is already being poured! The name's Johnny. I'm reporting for the Pathfinder Society. Am I in the right place?"

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Tita's eyes widen as Frankie talks, exclaiming, "You're but a wee lad! You must be a great warrior to have traveled the world and completed many missions!" Her teeth poke through her lips as she grins, expression one of slight embarrassment. "I was raised in the forests, this be more than just my first mission, it's my first time in a city!"

Frankie puffs out his little chest at the compliment "I'm not slouch, but I had lots of help. Stick together and work as a team! If you need someone to show you around Absalom just let me know, I've lived there forever!"

He smiles a bit of a crooked smile seeing the water splash out on the floor "Ya.. maybe she won't notice if we pull a rug over it? A darker one. Mom would spill wine a lot and tell me to clean it... dark rugs hide it better!" He scoops some dark powder into the waterskin and pours in a bunch of hot water and hands it back.

"Make sure you shake it real good! And don't burn your mouth else you can't drink it hot for a week, hurts so bad."

Seeing the newcomer head in Frankie puts down the teapot and rushes over to greet him. "Hey there Johnny! Great name! I'm Frankie, this here is Tita, and that quiet Lady.. I dunno her yet." He hands him a sheet of paper and pen and reiterates what he needs to write down for Miss Westyr.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

They let kids in here? I thought this organization was legit...

Johnny takes the note and dutifully fills it out, then hands it back to Frankie.

"Here ya go, buddy. Are you going on this adventure with us? Or are you just helping out your old lady?"

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Tita comically shakes her waterskin, gritting her teeth as she swings the container up and down. Once she's certain it's been shaken enough, she flips the top off and takes a long swig, wincing at the heat and flicking her tongue out from between her lips.

"Aye, she gots a bit of a bite to 'er!" She turns to notice who Frankie is talking to and grins, offering her hand to the newly arrived halfling with a little bit of cocoa dribbling down her chin. "'Ello there Johnny, name's Tita! That's a wicked scar 'cross your neck. If'n the bastards are still alive, maybe Tita will kick their teeth out someday." Tita bursts into uproarious laughter then offers the halfling a drink of her cocoaskin.

"Here ya go, buddy. Are you going on this adventure with us? Or are you just helping out your old lady?"

Frankie takes the paper and reads it and smiles "Me? I dunno, sure would be fun, maybe if I get all my chores done I'll tag along to keep you guys out of trouble!"

He pauses and keeps reading the note before lifting his face up quickly, his face lighting up "You play the fiddle AND a trumpet? Will you play while you wait a bit? Maybe that'll snap that other lady out of her daze over there!" He points at the armored woman standing stoically next to Tita.

He then turns to Tita as she huffs and puffs the hot cocoa "Told ya! Now yer mouth is gonna be all peely and hurt. Makes it hard to chew and drink anything hot." He leans in a bit and whispers "The fix is to only drink COLD cocoa for a week so it heals!"

He takes the notes and runs back behind the desk once more to make his own cocoa and check for any more important paperwork.

Johnny is not perturbed at all by Tita's appearance, shaking her hand firmly. As he replies, he subtly wipes the blood, grime and water, from the handshake,onto his pants. "You may just get that chance, my lady. I'm afraid my ability in a hand to hand scrap is far lower than I'd like. The scoundrel is still in Cheliax, singing pretty songs, I'd imagine."

Pretty, but not wise, Johnny accepts Frankie's words at face value. They train kids young here, don't they! I'll have to keep an eye on this one if things get violent.

"While I rarely turn down the opportunity to play, it looks like the armored lady has fallen asleep. I'd hate to wake her."

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After what seems like months, the door clicks ajar. You all enter the office.

The courtyard outside of Sorrina Westyr’s office is a tribute to the element of earth. Large, dark boulders jut from a carpet of smooth pebbles. Wild flowers and moss spring from the cracks between the stones. The Master of Spells’ slate- gray skin seems to blend into the rock she lounges on in the sun-dappled courtyard, her face upturned to the cloudless sky. Sorrina stretches luxuriously before turning to smile.

“Enjoy the open air while you can, Pathfinders,” she says. “You are to be among the first agents sponsored to explore the planes—the Plane of Earth, to be exact. Reyshal ik Jalman, the Society’s contact on the Plane of Earth, recently alerted us to a rare opportunity. The Sultana’s constant war with the City of Brass means the shaitan empire needs more soldiers, and they have begun recruiting off-world mercenaries to train alongside their military. That’s where you come in.” Westyr leaps to her feet in a fluid motion, pulling an amethyst crystal
wrapped in copper wire from her pocket.

“Please travel with Reyshal to the Opaline Vault. He can pull some strings to get you in with the mercenary company known as the Ungrounded. Complete the basic training and prove to your superiors that the Pathfinders are useful allies. Reyshal and I believe that working with the Ungrounded will lay the foundation for an alliance with the Peerless Empire. What’s more, this is an excellent means for you to establish your own professional credentials and connections.” Westyr pauses to brush a fallen leaf from her hair. “I’ll contact Reyshal as soon as you’re ready.”

Feel free to make purchases and preparations here.

You can make Knowledge(Planes) checks to learn more about the Plane of Earth and the Opaline vault. You can spend 4 hours in the Grand Lodge library to gain a +2 bonus on this check.

Hrm this isn't quite how I expected things to go!

Frankie stays to the back of the group as they enter the woman's 'office'. He scratches his perfectly cropped blonde scalp for a moment as she mentions the Plane of Earth and the Opaline Vault K Planes Untrained: 1d20 ⇒ 20

"Oh I've heard of that plane of Earth! We're going to be underground then? I'll be sure to bring a light, and ... hrm. Do you really think we need to worry about gasses and hot rocks? Sounds like quite an adventure for sure!" I wonder if they sell cocoa there? I better stock up!

Frankie then runs up and hands over the papers he collected from the others and smiles at Westyr. "I got some of them to fill these out like you asked!"

"Hmm?" Westyr takes the papers and flips through them. "So well organized. What would the society do without you, Frankie? Do be on your best behavior, alright? I don't want to hear about another maple syrup shortage..."

Johnny hops through the door, a smile on his face.

Knowledge Planes: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

After listening politely, he speaks in a low scratchy voice. "Oh, the Vault? Visiting the capital of the Earth plane on my first trip to another plane! I wonder if the palace is as beautiful as they say."

She might not be a diety, but playing my new trumpet for the Sultana would be quite the experience!

Tita seems less interested in listening to the politics of the situation and more interested in the "office" they're in. "Oi, so this is what passes for an office in Absolam?" Tita sizes up one of the boulders, teeth poking out as she grins. As Sorrina explains their mission and objectives, Tita absently calls out behind herself. "Land of the rocks eh, sounds like fun!" With a huff she suddenly jumps up, attempting to scramble up the boulder.

Climb: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23

Making her way to the top with ease and proudly sitting with a hand on her chin, she beams down at the other Pathfinders. "If it's all the same I'll wait here for y'all to finish. Tita is already good to go." She stands up, hands on her hips as she admires the view from her post.

Frankie freezes a bit in place before slowly shifting his eyes from the left to the right while slightly nodding his head to the other gathered Pathfinders How'd she know about that? And how am I getting blamed... I thought I got out of there clean and clear!

He smiles nervously and steps back into the crowd, his attention suddenly pulled towards that of rock climbing thanks to Tita. He takes a running leap as he tries to join her on the rock "Here I COME! Be ready to catch me!" His little legs fail to provide near enough push off as he face plants into the side of the boulder. "Oooopphhh..."
Acrobatics - Speed: 1d20 + 9 - 4 ⇒ (3) + 9 - 4 = 8

He leans up against it for a few moments to collect his bearings and smiles, losing interest for the moment.

Johnny is taken aback at these antics. Hmmm... not the brightest bunch, are we?

"Westyr, how will transportation with Reyshal be achieved? How will we return? Additionally, does anyone in the company know we are coming?"

After a moment of thought, adds "We are just there to complete basic training? I heard of certain missions where the Society may have... other, hidden, goals."

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Ulena watches the others bemused as she follows them into the office, remember the odd conversations from their previous encounter.

She stands quietly, helmet in hand, as Westyr gives the mission briefing.

"Basic training? Should be simple enough." She says smiling, remember the days spent training and running drills back home as a young acolyte. "Assuming we can all follow instruction and not disrupt their training regimen of course. I'm confident we can all prove that Pathfinders are exemplary allies."

She looks at Tita all but ignoring the brief and Frankie as he eats dirt trying to climb the boulder and begins to doubt her own words, but waits to be dismissed.

A frantic gnome rushes into the room, blushing and out of breath. He looks around the room to see the oddity of a child falling and a woman climbing rocks. Umm excuse me, (deep breathing) is this the breifing room for the pathfinder society? He looks around again, finally catching his breath and adjusting his clothes but still blushing brightly.

perception (for Frankie): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14 needless to say, doesn't notice anything off about Frankie, besides the fact that he may need to play baby sitter on this job.

I am Nigel Flit the third and I am reporting for duty! I am very sorry I am late. My messenger just ran told me you were meeting now and I just got back from the realm of the mammoth lords. Hardly had time to get a new robe tailored for me! My old one smelles awful, the society thinks it's acceptable to send a merchant like me to the sewers! But that's over now. I hear we are headed to the earth plane?

planes: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24

I have heard a thing or two about that place. Never been, but sounds like it will be interesting. Hopeful won't need to waist more money on new robes again! Though if the entertainment is as good as I hear, my money would be better spent on other things besides a new robe.

After hearing the recap, Nigel looks concerned. Umm, basic training? So needing climb walls and run for days? You may of picked the wrong agent for this one! I know I carry myself with pride, but I am not very strong. This will be interesting for sure. Do you know how they feel about magic use in this mercenary group?

sorry for double post. Forgot to mention this in last post.

Nigel pulls out a wand. So a little bit ago, The Exchange decided to give me a gift of this silly little wand. Not sure why because I have never had talents for using it but I figured it is always good to keep in the pocket in case a friend could use it. So if anyone here is good with curative magics, you can borrow this wand for the adventure.

i have a full cure light wounds wand that someone can carry that can use it. Ant post combat healing anyone needs can have charges off the wand.

Johnny approaches Nigel and gives a small bow. He speaks in a scratchy voice with an outstretched hand. "Nigel, I would be happy to carry this for you. I spent several years in the darkness of a mortuary cellar. You'd be surprised at the curative knowledge which can be gained from the dead."

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"Nigel, there you are!" Westyr turns her attention away from Frankie to address the latest member. "While you will all have to show your natural, non magical physical abilities during training, a silvered tongue and magical assistance will come in handy. The Plane of Earth is anything but boring." She smiles.

Feel free to retcon any additional preparations you need to make.

Once your preparations are complete, the Master of Spells uses a short copper wire and a piece of amethyst. They go up in a puff of smoke, and she whispers, “Preparations are complete. We are ready.”

The boulder opposite Sorrina Westyr’s seat ripples like water. What appears to be a towering stone statue of a muscular man clad in gold-lacquered armor emerges from the stone. He bows dramatically to the Master of Spells.

“Well met, Trail Seekers,” he grins wryly as Sorrina frowns in irritation. “Of course, I mean Pathfinders. Just a jest between friends.” The shaitan steps forward and inclines his head in a shallow version of the bow he just performed for Sorrina.

“I am Reyshal ik Jalman, humble servant of Her Radiance, Ashadieeyah bint Khalid, and sworn ally to the steadfast Master of Spells. Today I am honored to escort you to the Opaline Vault, the glorious home of my ancestors. I hope that together we can cement the bonds between our peoples, dear Pathfinders. But first, please, introduce yourselves!”

Introduce yourselves to Reyshal. You can see what he looks like on Slide 3.

Tita gives the best salute she can think of, swinging her fist up to her face and bowing deeply. "I be Tita sir! Put any obstacle in me way and I'll find a way to overcome it!" She throws a fast 1-2 punch and gives a proud grin, teeth poking between her lips.

When his eye isn't on her or Frankie, she leans down and whispers to the boy, "Good thing I wasn't on that rock eh?"

Johnny takes a step forward and bows deeply, with a flourish. He smiles wide, which pulls his scar tight across his neck. "Hello mister. Johnny Brom here, to bring light and music to your travels." He pats the shiny trumpet at his side. "I look forward to learning your plane's battle anthems."

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Frankie stands up and rubs his eyes as one of the large rocks in the room goes all blurry and a big armored guy steps out Holy crap! I must have really hit my head good! He takes a step back in surprise as he speaks, not quite sure if things are real or not. He looks up to Tita and nods in agreement before slowly approaching the man with his hand out in front of him.

"Hey there Rayshuul? Are you really real? You just stepped out of a rock!" He rubs his head again with other hand and offers to shake his hand, more so to see if he's real or just something bouncing around in his head.

"I'm Frankie! Master.. er umm... acrobat and... guide!" He says with a smile and a nod. "But I guess I'm not a great guide where we're going since I've not been there yet! I can't wait to train and play war games with your people! Is it ok if I use my axe? A dear friend made it for me... or do we need to use big swords like yours?" He drops his pack to the ground and digs around, bringing out a roughly carved wooden battle axe, presenting it proudly.

Nigel steps forward and reaches his hand out for the warrior. Nigel Flit at your service. I may be small in stature, but my skill comes from being able to pull in help from a wide option of friends. I look forward to showing my ability to you.

"Ulena Teladra, Paladin in service of Shelyn and student of the arts. I am looking forward to seeing the Opaline Vault, I hear it is a wonder to behold."

Ulena says with an elven salute. She smiles genuinely and is clearly eager for whatever lies in store.

"It is a pleasure to meet you all." Reyshal nods as you explain your stories and origins. "Are you ready, then?"

Once the pleasantries are complete, he asks everyone to stand in a circle and join hands. You feel a sense of vertigo and a tugging feeling in your stomachs.

A spinning tunnel of shimmering crystals gives way to the inside of an immense geode, a cavern so vast that the walls and ceiling appear as a distant night sky. Multicolored twinkling lights hang in the air like stars, painting shifting auroras across the geode’s walls. At the heart of the city, radiant spires of gold and platinum emerge from a churning lake of liquefied gemstones, connected by soaring bridges. “Welcome to the Rainbow Metropolis,” Reyshal whispers.

You are about a 2 mile walk away from the city. Reyshal is an excellent guide, preventing you from getting lost. He mentions a few of the more interesting landmarks: the Peerless Embassy that hosts diplomats from across the universe. The Slab, a mile-long barracks that hosts most of the sultan’s shaitan army.

”Welcome to the Outer District.” Reyshal gestures to the various buildings, many of which are indigenous to the Material Plane. ”Many offworld residents move here and try to earn the pasha’s favor with a combination of diplomatic and business favors.” He brings your attention to the many flags, banners and coats of arms displayed prominently on the buildings.

Fort: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13
Frankie's eyes go wide when he starts to see stars and his stomach goes all funny Please don't puke, please don't puke, please don't puke! Whew! He squeezes Tita's and Nigel's hands tightly as he concentrates on controlling his insides.

Once they appear at the Rainbow Metropolis Frankie quickly releases the other's hands and jumps in the air with excitement "Wow! Look at this place! Its so sparkly, its beautiful!"

He nods and points at the flags when Reyshal points them out "Its like a carnival! But I've never seen any flags like those, who are they? Are there any we should stay away from? I'd hate to get lost and get in trouble where I shouldn't be!"

Tita's eyes bulge out so much they seem like they might pop right out of her head. "Whoa..." Taking in the magnificent sights around her, she's completely awestruck by the new, alien world. She follows Reyshal quietly, listening intently to his words like a fascinated child.

Johnny is practically bouncing up and down throughout the teleportation. My first trip to another plane! How exciting!

Upon arrival, he looks around, taking everything in.
Knowledge Local : 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24
"Excuse me, mister. That's the Aspis Consortium flag! Do you know what interest they have in your plane?"

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"Aspis?" Reyshal raises an eyebrow. "I don't know about them. It sounds like you don't like them too much." He coughs. "As long as they follow the law, they are allowed here."

"Aspis's? I've been attacked by them before! For NO reason! Big burly half orc tried to smoosh me with a big tree branch! Lucky I was quick on my feet and ducked behind a pillar just in time!" Frankie scowls a bit and looks around to be sure they aren't being eyed up for a similar ambush. Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

Johnny's brow furrows. "Well, I suppose we'll just have to watch our backs. They're known for their devious ways."

Lost in thought, he pulls his trumpet out and fingers a few notes before snapping back to attention. "So! Where do we find this mercenary troop? The Slab?"

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Nigel gladly offers his hand to Franie for support.

Nigel is thankful someone pointed out the Aspis. I have managed to avoid them so far but they seem to have a very bad reputation around the exchange. I understand that they are welcome as long as they follow the law, but they aren't know for their law following.

Ulena watches in awe at the sights of the city. Beauty and wonder abound and she whispers a prayer to Shelyn for being fortunate enough to see such art.

When the Aspis are pointed out however she places her hands at her hips and frowns angrily.

"I just returned from ruining their plans to take over Druma. The Aspis is dangerous to have around, and must be kept under watch, but we must also respect the laws and customs of this plane. If they are allowed here, we must be accepting of that, but I will certainly be keeping my eye on them."

Frankie's eyes go wide as he hears the other's stories and descriptions of the Aspis, especially Ulena's "Wow! These guys really do suck! We best keep our Pathfinderness on the hush hush! Don't want them messing with us while we're here!"

He quickly takes interest in her weapons and armor "That armor looks heavy Ulena, and that sword and... sword on a stick thing? Where's your shield, don't most people with all that armor carry around shields too? What's those funny symbols on your cloak and armor? Is that your God or your family thinger? I'm a big fan of Desna, she rocks!"

"It sounds like you Pathfinders already have a potent enemy. Pay attention to your foes."

Reyshal leads you to a windowless building, 20 feet high. Banners bearing the company’s sigil, a crossed scimitar and spear on a field of yellow, mark the main entrance. ”This is called the Ungrounded Barracks, dedicated to… unconventional solders. I will bring you to the training captain’s office.”

A heavy wooden door opens to reveal an immaculate office barely large enough to house the writing desk and bookshelf within. The unpainted stone walls are devoid of windows or decoration. A stern, middle-aged human woman with darkly tanned skin and close-cropped salt-and-pepper hair sits in a rigid pose behind the desk as she studies an open ledger. She lifts her chin and glares at the open door.

Reyshal produces a paper-thin chiseled stone tablet and hands it to the human woman. She spends a few minutes studying the page, looking up to frown at you. Finally she exhales and thanks Reyshal. ”I’ll begin accelerated training immediately. Thank you for bringing these… Pathfinders to me.” Reyshal nods, gives you one parting bow, and leaves the office. ”Good luck, Pathfinders. Captain Othis will get you up to speed.”

He leaves and closes the door. Captain Othis crushes the note with her hands, leaving a pile of stone chips. “So, you think you have what it takes to be Ungrounded?” the captain bellows, circling the PCs combatively. “I’ll be the judge of that. You look softer than night soil to me. Your friends in high places won’t help you when you’re down in the trenches, or when there’s an efreeti scimitar at your throat. Now, get out of my sight. Your trials start tomorrow. Dinner is at six o’clock sharp. If you’re late, you can starve.”

Captain Othis stomps her way to the door and yells outside. ”Dell! Dell Darkblade! Get over here!” An oread walks into the room. ”Take this fresh meat to the meatlocker. I have more important things to do.”

A young oread warrior hustles up to the door, short on breath. "Yes... captain. Right this way."

You can see Captain Othis on Slide 1. Any questions for Dell before he shows you around?

Tita resists the urge to laugh as Captain Othis barks at them, not understanding or respecting the Captain's aggression. When the Oread leads them outside, Tita finally breaks into a snort, remarking to the man of stone.

"Does the Cap'ns breath always stink like Orc farts, or was that special for us?"

Johnny, not used to this kind of leadership style, practically runs from the room. "Hey, Dell. Do you know what the Trials are like? Is there anyway we can prepare? I'm... Not that strong." He shrugs, sheepishly.

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"I am a shield that guards the innocent Frankie, wether I carry an actual shield or not." The elf smiles at the curious child and wonders where he got the idea that she wears a cloak.

"I follow Shelyn, whose symbol I bare, and protect beauty and kindness. I am devoted to her though I certainly appreciate the values of the other gods of Golarian, Desna included and I hope she'll watch over you even here on the Plane of Earth."

When the party finally makes it to the meeting with Captain Othis, the elven woman stands rigid and does not flinch under the Captain's glare, or react to his insults. It all seems par for the course as far as she's concerned.

When Dell brings them to the meatlock she raises an eyebrow at Tita, hoping the woman has not offended one of the soldiers they'll be working with for the time being.

"That's a pretty standard greeting from a military veteran Tita. Their job is to make soldiers who can take whatever is thrown at them and inspire them to prove themselves. Though, of course, the methods do not always need to be so....inflammatory."

"If'n that be normal I can see why they need extra soldiers, I'd rather talk with an ogress." Tita talks off-handedly, now paying more attention to what's going on around her.

Through the conversation with the captain, Nigel tries to immulate Ulena. She seems to know how to do this military stuff. I have no idea why the society would pick me for this job! I am not physically strong and no military background. I can do my best but I can't imagine making the society proud.

When we get to the meatlock, Nigel seems to be of similar frame of mind as Johnny. Yes, any pointers would be much appreciated so we can be ready for tomorrow. and maybe I can figure out a way to pull in a friend from another plane to help.