GM Cody's Valley of the Veiled Flame (Inactive)

Game Master Codanous

Here is the gameplay thread, go ahead and dot and we'll get started when everyone is ready!

Hi Guys!

I am going to play Anastasia she is a level 5 barbarian. Can you add me to the campaign please. Thanks

"Hello. I am Professor Cosmo Berrythwaite, lecturer and adjunct instructor, specializing in ancient ossiriani history, legends, lore, and artifacts." The small halfling, dressed in a tweed jacket with leather patches on the elbows, wool trousers, and a doeskin fedora puffs on his pipe as he offers his hand in greeting. "I recently returned from an expedition under the patronage of Tahonikepsu, the Diamond Sage, deep into the Ossirion desert, past Sothis, beyond the far oases, wherein I rescued one of the other Jeweled Sages, a [REDACTED] named Sinuhotep. You can read about that mission in the upcoming edition of the Pathfinder Chronicles, and you can find my academic paper on the temple we explored—with yours truly listed as primary author—in the journal Ancient Ossirion."

Hey guys, looks like we are just waiting on Max to get his character ready for play by post, otherwise post your descriptions and introductions here

As wayward pathfinders you guys are summoned to the heat-stricken metropolis that is Katheer in the Qadiran desert. The letter that summoned you all was rather cryptic, providing only the name of the venture captain that summoned you and the lodge's location.

Otherwise the lot of you find yourselves waiting in the Katheer Pathfinder lodge in one of the many state-rooms waiting for the venture-captain.

Jumping down off the back of a large Axebeak, a small Wayang with ashen grey skin and hair begins talking excitedly. "Hi! I'm Tika and this is my Manuk he looks super scary but is really nice! We just got back from the Green Market in Varisa and we helped to put the ghost of a Shoanti Shaman to rest.

Tika tells Manuk to stay and she joins Cosmo at the table.

Hi, I am Anastasia. I am a human barbarian. My goals are to eliminate my enimies before they know what is happening. I am always up for the next adventure and fighting the bad guys.

A Strong muscled female walks in with flowing long red hair with a huge long sword strapped to her back
This looks like it might be a fun group to adventure with

She saunters over to the table grabs the chair flips it around and sits down and says hello to Tika who she has seen around the lodge.

An elf enters the Katheer Lodge, brushing the dust of the road off of himself and out of his sandy blonde hair. He stands inside the entryway as his icy blue eyes adjust to the diminished light inside.

It will take months to remove the sand from my equipment. Why the society would need to send me to such a sand swept location is beyond even me. In spite of endure elements I still perspire. Hopefully we are being sent to investige a recently discovered library or perhaps a long lost society. If we are merely here to act as henchmen for some such Venture Captain I may have to consider a different line of work. Surely the Aspis don't treat their most brilliant minds this way. I hear they are always recruiting, Gods know I've created my share of openings in the past.

Seeing Tika seated across the room Ranar nods curtly, while his look of disgust remains it softens slightly.

This one was most useful in Korvosa. Her eagerness to thrust herself in the heart of battle, while perplexing, will give me the necessary space to operate.

Nimbly traversing the room Ranar opens and adjusts his long leather jacket exposing the dizzying array of bottles, beakers, and metal tools affixed inside.

"Tika, I see the Society has need of us again. How has the road treated you? I've recently returned from Cassomir, where I dealt with a particularly troublesome Manor and the inhabitants inside. Tears at Bitter Manor

The door slams open with the sound of grinding stone, not from the door itself, but from the stout Dwarven woman that has just pushed through it, clad in armor fashioned from bands of stone strung together. At her side, a blade of fine mithril rent down the middle, at her back, a large cross bow, five bolts loaded into its repeater, and on her arm, a shield of brilliant steel.

As she strides into the room, she exclaims, "By Abadar, it's been no less than half a year since I've set foot in the halls of a lodge. Rather odd being back after so long..."

Halting mid stride, she spots Cosmo. After a moment's pause, she hustles over to him, clapping him in a hug, "Cosmo! By above and below, it's been a while. I don't think I've seen you since... well, since the unfortunate passing of your brother. How have you been? I didn't expect to run into anyone I knew here, let alone the only other person I know shorter than me."

A dark feathered tengu in a bright breastplate and brightly colored sashes walks in after the dwarf.

"Kaw! I see that we're all of good spirit! Always a pleasure to be joining a group of like-minded jolly Pathfinders! Perhaps I can add to our mirth while we wait for the captain?" she asks while gesturing towards the group with a tengu drinking jug in one clawed hand and a deck of cards in another.

Taking a step towards the somber appearing elf, she deftly tucks the cards into her sleeve, pulling out a cup that she hands to him. "Only the finest rumboozle for my friends!" she enthusiastically says to Ranar while forcing the cup into his hand.

"Ah, yes, my oldest adventuring companions, Hlifkom and Xiakai. It is a pleasure to reunite before our upcoming expedition." Cosmo draws a couple of deep puffs on his pipe while tipping his fedora slightly to his old friends.

"Xiakai, my friend, how are you‽" Hlifkom makes her way over to the cleric, clapping her on the back. "I don't suppose you'd have a cup to spare for an old adventuring companion? It smells like something my father would have served his dinner guests."

"Ranar! good to see you again!! and traveling with Manuk is always fun! Tika looks around the room and suddenly recognizes Anastasia and Xiakai and then jumps up on her chair. Anastasia! Xiakai! friends how have your adventures been!? Tika is clearly very excited to see people she has adventured with before.

[b] Hi Tika and Hlifkom good to see you both.
She drummers her fingers on the tabletop waiting is not something she enjoys. Hopefully, this Venture person comes soon she is not comfortable inside. She much prefers to be outside where she can see what is coming from all sides.

Ranar, given little choice accepts the "Rumboozle", and looks down into it deftly swirling the concoction. He reaches his pinky into the cup extracting the smallest droplet and touches it to his tongue gingerly.

Ranar evaluates the quality of the brew using his skill with alchemy. His next actions will depend on the quality.

Craft: Alchemy: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (8) + 21 = 29

Regardless of result. Ranar will lift up his empty glass. "My compliments to the crafter, an excellent brew to share!" The kernel of truth in his statement will vary depending on quality.

Bluff roll if necessary Bluff: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (9) - 1 = 8

Not long after the whole group is assembled, the door quietly creeps open and in dart two figures, one cloaked in dark robes, their face concealed by the shadows of their hood while the other is re-markedly more prominent looking in resplendent cloth of gold robes to be sneaking around, let alone sneaking around his own lodge.

Straitening open after quickly closing the door behind him,"Ahem, yes I am as you all know Venture-Captain Esmayl ibn Qaradi," Drawing up a chair, he sits behind at the table, with his head in his hands. However sighing in what seems like frustration, he'll take a deep breath, and rise again to address his guests. “Originally, I wasn’t planning on sending a team back out to the Zho Mountains. The risk of losing another team is, frankly, too high. If that weren’t enough of a reason, the Society’s assault on the Worldwound has left the lodge’s coffers much lighter—too light to fund another expedition into dangerous territory so soon. However, following some conversations with fellow agents, I am reminded that all Pathfinders must come home— no matter the cost, no matter the danger. The lessons of the Shadow Lodge must not be forgotton.”

He nods toward a the shadowy figure that entered with him who so far has simple stood silently in the corner. “In fact, the recent disappearance in the Zho Mountains has brought a surge of monetary support from the onetime disciples of Grandmaster Torch. It was enough to finance your voyage here, and I would happily provide you the remainder if you succeed.”

The venture-captain takes a few steps toward a map of Qadira hanging from the wall. “Six years ago, a team of Pathfinders received a map of an unexplored area in the Zho Mountains, and ever since they have stayed busy surveying the region and sending me updates. Until recently, they had uncovered only a few dozen small sites and a plethora of new plant and animal species, but their most recent update referenced a large illusory barrier. Since then we have not heard from them, and I believe they found something dangerous beyond. I ask that you use what notes I have on file to track down these agents and make sure they return safely. Investigating
the nature of this illusory... field, barrier, shield... is secondary at best. Esmayl, pausing for a moment before continuing. “If you have any questions, I shall answer them as best I can, though most of what the Society knows about the mountains is in the logbooks of those agents.

He'll toss some early notes onto the table, "As best as I know and the information gathered in the past six years about the Zho Mountains is that It is common knowledge that the Zho Mountains are home to feral beasts, draconic monsters, and other dangerous creatures. Qadira’s spellcasters have long practiced elemental magic and conjured genies, and geniekin, Ifrit, Oreads, Slyphs, Undines, are relatively common in the region. It is believed that most have gravitated toward settlements in the Zho Mountains, though nobody seems able to confirm this rumor.

Sorry for the big wall of text, these mission briefings! Let me know if you have any questions!

"Loss of a Pathfinder team is somber business indeed - perhaps we should all have a drink in their honor? And to lighten our hearts!" Xiakai suggests while setting out small cups atop Esmayl's table. While seeming both full of reverence and revelry, Xiakai quickly pours into the cups and hands them out to the party - starting of course with the venture captain.

"To Kofusachi!" she exclaims before quaffing her own rumboozle.

rumboozle is always fine quality

Perhaps I still may be able to make my trip to this stain in the desert worthwhile.

Leaning back in his chair, Ranar addresses the Venture Captain. Speaking over steepled hands he dispenses with both protocol and custom.

"As you know, creating a large illusonary barrier is no small feat. Do we have any indication of powerful spell casters in that region, either historical or present day? Also, what is local custom regarding discovery and salvage? I would require future access to any historical sites or centers of knowledge we secure. I'm sure you understand. Explore. Report. Cooperate. After all."

"You say the team has been surveying these mountains for six years, correct? When did you receive the update about this barrier, and with what regularity did the team provide their updates?" Although she directed her words to Venture-Captain Esmayl, Hlifkom's eyes were locked on the shadowed face of the stranger, her piercing gaze reading the figure, body and soul.

Hlifkom will use her detect alignment SLA on the shadowy second to see if they are evil.

Acknowledging Ranar's question, "We weren't aware of such a powerful spellcaster residing in the area, however you are correct it would take quite a powerful spell to be able to project an illusion on a size the Pathfinders seemed to indicate." Pausing for a moment to take a drink of rumboozle "Our last correspondance was a vague letter, only indicating that they had stumbled upon this massive illusion, right under their noses and that they were going to investigate it further. That was some time ago now, long enough I've begun to worry. Regarding any salvage you find, the first concern should be the Pathfinders alive, their bodies if they are dead and any of their gear."

Looking toward Hlifkom, "Not quite six years, they've been researching it for some time but we had to raise funds to pay for such a long-term expedition once we had the map in hand. Picking up what look to be sand-blasted and sun-parched letters, "Their letters could be frequent or infrequent depending on their rate of discovery, however I expected an answer sooner than this, its been nearly 3-weeks since they wrote about finding the illusion and their intent to explore it."

"three weeks is kinda a long time to not hear from them. Tika pauses and grabs her cup of rumboozle with both hands and takes a gulp. "Ah! that's a good drink Xiakai! besides the mention of the big illusion did their notes mention anything else of note?"

hopefully nothing bad has happened to our fellow pathfinders

Taking it all in Anastasia sits at the table drink in hand contemplating this possible task ahead.

It sounds like a job for us I am down for some Murder Hoboing anyone else? We must avenge our fellow pathfinders and find out what really happened in the Zho Mountains.

Anastasia puts down her drink and rises out of her chair ready to do battle.

"Three weeks is certainly no small length of time. I agree it is a wise decision to search for them. Thankfully, it is no great length of time either, and there may yet be hope we can recover them alive."

Hlifkom turns once again to the shadowy figure, this time speaking directly to him, "And you. The esteemed Venture Captain seems to imply that you once followed in the footsteps of Grandmaster Torch? Is that the case?"

Helpful or not, a disciple of Grandmaster Torch can be trusted about as far as he can be thrown. I better keep my eye on him.

Hlifkom will make a Sense Motive: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (14) + 18 = 32 check if the shadowy figure decides to answer.

Xiakai looks around the room with pleasure - everyone is enjoying themselves and their drinks.

but alas - who is this shadowy figure in the corner neither drinking nor appearing to enjoy themselves!

"Kaw! How could I have been so careless!" she squawks. Handing a full glass to the shadowy figure, she remarks encouragingly, "My friend - though you may be shy, you must at least join our celebration of good company and hopeful intent!"

I hadn't missed the detect alignment, was just giving it a couple of rounds

Hlifkom finds it particularly odd that despite his best attempts to determine the shadowy figure's alignment, something seems to be blocking his magic.

The man, aware of the magics being used against him and the scrutiny he is under waves away the drink, "The Shadow Lodge didn't die with Grandmaster Torch's betrayal, some of us still believe in what he started, the man may have been flawed but his ideals weren't."

Hlifkom senses that this man is telling the truth, what version of the truth however may be subjective the parties involved.

The Venture Captain watching this exchange, "Yes well, that business with Grandmaster Torch is business better left to the Decimvirate."

Admiring Anatasia's gung-ho attitude, "Just make sure the Pathfinders aren't caught up in your whirlwind of destruction!"

You guys may make Kn: geography checks to learn more about the Zho Mountains or Kn: Local checks

"Are you sure friend? It seems like the drink would do you good..."

Not seeing any change in his demeanor, Xiakai shrugs and downs the drink instead. "To the Decimvirate!"

I wasn't worried. Hlifkom would have done the sense motive regardless.

"Hmm I think I may have come across the Zho mountains in father's library."

Hlifkom will make a Knowledge, Local: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6 roll.

Rubbing her temples, Hlifkom shakes her head.

"No, I must have been mistaken. I can't recall anything of the Zho mountains." This far from home, even a Dwarf can't be expected know of every mound of rock and stone.

Anastasia chuckles to herself. Destruction my friend I do not create destruction I just cause distraction and kill things with my big awesome sword. I think this will be a fine group if we can stop all this celebrating and get on with things.

"Who needs to know about the Zho Mountains just point me on my way and anything and anyone who gets in my way will be sorry."

Cosmo puffs on his pipe. "Ah, the Zho Mountains. Let me think." He stands and begins pacing the room, seemingly lost in his own thoughts. 1d6 ⇒ 2

After ten long seconds he comes out of his trance.
Knowledge (geography), focused trance: 1d20 + 7 + 20 ⇒ (13) + 7 + 20 = 40

"Although the mountains rarely more than 2 miles high, they are nonetheless a formidable barrier between Qadira’s Ketz and Meraz Deserts. What most people don't know about the Zho Mountains is the curious geology in the region. Two of the most famous peaks are Zhonar and Zhobl, a pair of large volcanoes that violently erupted nearly a thousand years ago. I read a paper from one of my esteemed colleagues regarding that event...fascinating..."

He puffs on his pipe a few more times before losing himself in thought once again. 1d6 ⇒ 3
Knowledge (local), focused trance: 1d20 + 7 + 20 ⇒ (20) + 7 + 20 = 47

"Qadira’s spellcasters have long practiced elemental magic and conjured genies, and geniekin are relatively common in the region. It is believed that most have gravitated toward settlements in the Zho Mountains, though nobody seems able to confirm this rumor. It is one of the more important open questions in academia studying Qadiran culture. The few explorers who’ve tried to locate these communities have found the mountains to be deceptively difficult to navigate, and what looks like a mountain pass from afar is often merely a mirage."

Cosmo returns to his seat, puffing his pipe, satisfied that his vast knowledge will make him exceedingly popular among his fellow pathfinders—especially with the women. He winks at Anastasia and tips his fedora slightly.

"Give me a break!" The words come from the longsword sheathed on Cosmo's hip.

"Do you really think you know what you are talking about? Why don't you let that hot-blooded redhead carry me? That way I can be used by a real warrior! That's what I'm talkin' 'bout. How you doin'? Hell, I'll take that scrawny elf over this puffed up blowhard. "

"Behave yourself Gavin or I'll donate you to the Blakros Museum. Nigel Aldain has been begging me for months to put you on display there. He has a whole wing planned for you."

The Venture Captain chuckles at the tirade the sword seems to be making, clearly impressed by Cosmo's knowledge of the area, "Looks like I chose the right group of Pathfinders for this mission, if you need to make any purchases, hurry and do so, another Pathfinder agent awaits you at the East gate with horses and supplies, if you push the horses you can make the journey in under a week."

The cloaked man unfolds his arm, holding a satchel, "Here are some supplies you might find useful, a potion of Remove Curse, Potion of Cure Serious Wounds, 6 Potions of Endure Elements, and 2 doses of Oil of Taggit. I hope you need none of this"

You guys are in Katheer, a city of 112,000+ people, anything you need to buy you may and if there any scrolls you may want, you can get them, up to 7th level spells of course. Otherwise when you are ready you can all gather at the East Gate

Once gathered at the East Gate, another or maybe the same cloaked figure awaits you, a wayfinder is easily visible, bouncing on his chest as he wrangles and maintains what look like 12 fiery horses. They seem full to the brim with energy and look to be ready to run.

"O'right, 2 horses fer tha each of ya, switch 'em off daily they aren't like ta die, ride one hard and it'll drop dead. Be careful, feed 'em, water 'em you should make it ta tha Zho mountains in 6 days. leaning in close to the group to whisper, "Long live tha Shadow Lodge"

Wandering through the bazaar, Hlifkom spies a sash of velvet embroidered with Abadaran imagery adorning its face. The shop keeper motions her to try it on, indicating that this item is the perfect thing for an inquisitor such as herself. She feels a slight surge of power as she sets the sash in place.

A useful boon in the face of potential genies and elementals. Hopefully I will not need use it.

Paying the shopkeeper, she heads back to the lodge to meet with her compatriots.

Hlifkom will purchase a Bane Baldric for 10,000 GP with a fame score of 38. This will up her bane to 14 uses per day.

"I have found this sash in the market. It is lovely, and most powerful. I am ready to depart."

Knowledge (nature): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

"You know, most people believe the horse originated in Qadira, but actually..."

"I luckily don't need a horse! I'll just ride with Manuk! he doesn't mind, right Manuk?

"Skwwaaaaaak bwaaakkk!"

Knowledge (nature):1d20+5 (19) + 5 = 24

Hopefully everyone can handle these feisty beasts and we can get this show on the road. Glad to be out in the fresh air where I can be free. I am excited to see what my fellow adventures are made of.
Not sure about that Ranar guy he talks a lot but its nice to be back with some strong fighting women Tika and Hlifkom. I am itching to use my long sword I have sat idle long enough. Anastasia mounts her horse and waits for the others to do the same.

Ranar looks over his mounts with disgust, "Clearly, these are fine steeds of good breeding. However, I never saw fit to explore equestrian activities. With the smell, and the sweat, and the defecation, I never really saw the appeal."

I see this going in a bad way. It may be best to enhance my defensive capabilities while we are able to peruse the marketplace.

"Oh, a quick question, must we provide food for these beasts? Or are you providing that as well? It would cause me a great deal of distress to improperly feed your animal when you've been so kind."

I've no patience for searching the market for livestock feed.

"Before we leave I've formed a list of magical supplies I need. Also we may do well to seek to gather some traveling equipment and possibly a way to take the edge off of the heat and the hazards of surrounding area."

With Ranar never having really been a fan of physical pain...I will purchase a Ring of Featherfalling, a Cloak of resistance + 2, and a ring of Protection + 2. Additionally, I have Endure Elements applied and have Targeted Bomb Admixture in a level one Preservation Flask.

Struggling to contain the 12 horses still, the Pathfinder seems to be getting rather impatient with all the dilly-dallying.

"All the water an' food ya and tha horses need are in the saddlebags," acknowledging the mounted cavalier, "Ya may still want ta switch off, let yar big chicken there rest a bit" Looking around, he'll start distributing the horse's reins to people, 2 horses each, even for Tika.

Hlifkom ties the reigns of her first horse to her second one to form a train, and mounts the first horse, settling into the saddle.

"I am of a mind with Anastasia. We should be off." she says, bringing her horses along side Anastasia's.

Mimicking Hlifkoms actions with his horses, Ranar is clearly both unfamiliar and uncomfortable with horses.

"As long everyone has acquired all of the necessary provisions then we should be off. I however will be adding a tent, salt tabs, smoked goggles, and a Wayfinder to my shopping list."

Along with a few extra days of rations.

Hey guys, I don't mean to feel like I as the GM am rushing you, the scenario places some importance on moving quickly, its been 3 weeks since the missing Pathfinder's last check in and its going to take almost a week just to get to the Zho Mountains, let alone pick up their trail.

We can post as slowly or quickly as needed, like if you guys want to really take some time to role-play out the travel aspect of this we can do that. I just didn't want it to feel like I was rushing us along because I as the GM am impatient. Just hoping to clarify.

Previously as the lodge:
Looking as disappointed as a large bird can, Xiakai quickly packs up her bartending equipment to make ready to leave.

Xiakai is happy to take one of the Endure Elements potions. She's also purchased a Remove Disease scroll and Remove Blindness/Deafness scroll prior to the journey. She also purchased Wandermeal and Whiskey.

At the East Gate:
Xiakai apprehensively steps towards her two horses. Jokingly, she asks the Pathfinder, "Do they drink?"

glad I had a drink before this!

Handle Animal, untrained: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (6) + 0 = 6

Eager to conclude his business in Katapesh and return to a more agreeable climate. Ranar heads toward the Marketplace, horses in tow.

Looking over his shoulder, Ranar addresses Anastasia. "Of course, there would always be room in my tent...if it pleases a certain fiery haired human warrior." Ranar raises an eyebrow. "You know, to be economical of course." He says with a grin.

Xiakai awkwardly attempts to mount her horse - having tied one to the other first.
I never did take much to riding - something about this doesn't feel natural

Ride,untrained+Dex–ACP: 1d20 + 6 - 1 ⇒ (1) + 6 - 1 = 6

To bolster her confidence, Xiakai takes a small nip from her holy symbol flask and tries again.

Ride,untrained,take 10: 10 + 6 - 1 = 15

That Ranar is a cocky fellow but he's growing on me not sure I am interested in sharing a tent we don't know each other that well.... Any who lets focus on the objective. Horses can be fickle creatures
I usually don't have any issues with horses but these ones could be a different story.
Xiakai how you doing ? Need some assistance? I walk to my horse taking the reins.
handle animal: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18
And the adventure begins ...

"Chough! No, No - we've got it now don't we - cluck, cluck," she says while patting the side of her somewhat uneasy stead. "Thanks," she says with a nod, offering her flask to Anastasia.

Tika will grabs the reins of her 2 horses and tie one to the other and then tie the leads to Manuk. "Thank you for the horses, I will start our journey on Manuk and switch off on these fine horses when my Manuk gets tired!"

Ride check for her 2 horses: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (14) + 17 = 31

"Does anyone need help with their horses? I know a thing or two about handling animals back on the farm..." Tika starts to babble quickly and almost incoherently about her life on her chicken farm and how animals can be so fun to be around.

Handle Animal to aid: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (8) + 15 = 23

Well it looks like everyone is ready to proceed out of the city, purchases are all done? If not it's fine, you can buy them on the way.

As the six of you head off into the desert, a team of horses and an Axebeak riding hard through the Qadiran desert sand. Pushing your animals to the limits you make great progress, fortunately these horse are so well trained you fortunately don't need much skill in riding to stay on. You are traveling along a caravan road thankfully the well traveled road protects you from any of the nastier dangers the desert may hold, however the heat is nearly unbearable.

How are you guys dealing with the heat, it is a sultry 115 degrees F during the day and dips down to 70 at night? You received six potions of endure elements, and the trip is supposed to be six days.

Hlifkom, as a second level Warpriest, will simply prepare Endure Elements as one of her daily spells. She can prepare it up to three times a day, so I can cover half of the group. Her warpriest spells aren't super powerful, due to the low level, so she is willing to prepare them as requested by the rest of the team.

"We should each take a potion, in the event we get separated and cannot rely on the spell casting of others. I will beseech Abadar for his blessing against heat, and I believe I will have enough power for two others. Better to preserve our one-off magics.