GM Dak - PFS First Steps: I, II, & III (Group 2) (Inactive)

Game Master Dakcenturi

"I may surprise you yet Little Sister." Olik rattles off a simple sentence in ill formed Elvish. Directly translated it would mean "See near, persons not good enter". After a few moments of confusion and consideration you guess him to mean "Look out enemies approach" or something to that effect. Seeing the look on your face he continues,

"Ha! I know it's not much to hear just yet but give me time and keep my ears full of it and I'll have it yet! The Varisian I learned is helping a bit, it's a lilting language as well. Yours is much more musical...it flows and dances like a stream happily bounding down the side of a hill under a warm spring sun."

I fully plan to throw a point in Linguistics when we level to have Olik pick up Elvish thanks to Tess and Tams influence.

As the night continues Olik happily keeps up with Tamarie and any others who feel the urge to drink and carouse the night away.

"These aren't the dice from the warehouse are they?" he asks with mock suspicion as they begin to play.

Later when Tamarie translates :

"Thank you for the words Little Sister. It seems that such sorrowful notions run through many songs of battle. Those of my own people often call out loudly and with great bluster but beneath the chest thumping and shield beating most often lays the same theme of impending death for those brave enough to risk their lives. Our Lord in Iron favors the brave and valiant but often that favor is seen in an early trip to his halls."

He stands, raising a tankard of mead and calls out "To the brave who have stood their ground to the last of their strength! May the echos of their spirits drive us always to courage!"

Draining the tankard he slams it heavily to the table. Perhaps swaying a bit he sits back down to lose a bit more to Tamarie and her elf cursed dice.

Salador quietly sits and laughs to himself as he listens to his new found friends.

After having some time to yourselves from the tasks of the Pathfinder Society you are once again summoned to duty. Before seeing to your task ahead Ambrus informs you that Volker has been called away on other assignments and instructs that you'll be meeting a new member at the event you will be attending.

You have all received invitations to a party being held this evening at the Lantern Lodge, the beautiful and exotic estate of the Tian venture-captain, Amara Li, in Absalom’s Petal District. Tonight, the invitation informs you, is the Snapdragon Festival, a traditional Gokan holiday featuring fireworks and rich plum wine. You are encouraged to dress to impress, and are instructed to seek out the hostess and head of the Lantern Lodge, Amara Li, upon your arrival.

Ah, a proper party! Now this is more of my kind of mission. Hopefully , the task will be to consume as much plum wine as possible...

Tess takes the opportunity to head out and buy some new fineries, including an expensive new green dress and a pretty emerald bracelet to match. She will spend 125 gp for the dress and bracelet. Deducted from character sheet.

Upon receiving the invitation Olik considers what he knows about the Tian in general, the etiquette and formalities of such a gathering and the Festival specifically.

Olik joins up with Tess and any others heading to the Coins to do a bit of shopping. Once there he purchases an outfit and adornments for the nights festivities. While wandering the market he picks up some fruit which he feeds to Zeriah as they travel about.

I'll lay out the description once we hit the party. Rule wise it's the equivalent of a courtiers outfit with jewelry. 80gp taken from his sheet plus 1gp for the fruit (guessing at the cost, didn't see it listed anywhere).

Edit : Wow double knowledge crit! Take that Encyclopedia Britannica! Apparently I've never heard a thing about this festival though :)

"My friends the Tian are a far way from home and it would no doubt be looked well upon not only to dress well for this occasion but perhaps to incorporate the styles of their homeland as well."

Olik shares the info in the spoiler above with the rest of the group

A party full of influential important individuals associated with the Society. Well now I must look my best and see whom I can impress. This is an opportunity not to be taken lightly.

Salador shops to find the perfect outfit that will make him look more than what he is or was. He finally decides on a on a blue noble outfit with gold and green accents and a gold signet ring that has a small phoenix as its mark.

Ahh yes the phoenix. a bird of fire destruction and rebirth. It fits me perfectly.

Jirani takes Olik's advice and enjoys the opportunity to seek out some new Tian merchant contacts. He buys a Tian style outfit and jewelry that they recommended.

I'll spend the 80 gp for a courtier's outfit equivalent and its jewelry.

After making preparations the party heads to the event. Only the luckiest or most influential Pathfinders receive invitations to Amara Li’s annual Snapdragon Festival celebration, and wise recipients take advantage of them. The aroma of blooming orchids and flowing wine mixes with the acrid tang of recently exploded fireworks, and the sound of strangely discordant music comes from a duo of Tian women playing an unusual stringed instrument and a reed flute. The crowd mingles calmly, most guests clearly hoping to be seen more than actually paying attention to those with whom they converse, though the plum wine seems to have affected many who now move about the lodge’s grounds waving sparkling wands of fire and shooting whirring, whizzing fireworks into the sky above the koi pond.

Malik & Party you've been given descriptions of each other, you'll likely bump into each other at the party while mingling

When the group gathers to head to the party Olik appears dressed in his new clothing. The overall outfit is a mixture of leather and silk displaying a balance between elegance and martial functionality. The leather tunic is a dark oiled color with twin linnorms rampant facing each other in golden thread. The tunic covers a blue silk shirt which billows out loosely from Oliks shoulders until it is covered again by leather bracers the same color as his tunic. The bracers boast intricately stitched northern patterns in the same golden thread as the linnorms. The shapes seem to weave in and out of themselves seemingly without beginning or end.

At his waist is a dark leather belt from which hangs his ever present longsword. It has been decoratively tied to the embroidered scabbard with a complex peace knot. Below this loose yellow silk breeches flow into knee high leather boots. As with the other leather work the boots have patterns embroidered into them though the decoration is more subtle as to blend with the rest of the outfit while avoiding drawing the eye downward.

A deep green cloak trimmed at the top with ravens feathers rests easily on his shoulders clasped off center with a golden snapdragon. His generally wild hair has been combed and both beard and hair sport braids. All combined the outfit has a strong northern feel accented by the loose silken fashion of Tian Xia. It displays the colors of the city-state of Goka in an almost incidental way.

Taking in everyone in their party best he comments with a grin,

"Well what a fine group we pretty up to be eh?"

Turning to Tessara, "Tess you are radiant, a vision of elven beauty!"

Tamarie no doubt gets a compliment as well but I don't know what she looks like yet :)

To Jirani and Salador he says with a wink, "Well my brothers shall we go and set the fancy ladies to swooning?" He notes the phoenix images on Saladors ring and comments, "A fine choice, as may likely know Goka hosts the Ruby Phoenix competition. I'm sure thoughtfulness will be appreciated."

Once at the party Olik will spend some time amongst the crowd meeting people, exchanging gossip and learning what he can. He'll eventually make his way to musician when they take break and strike up a conversation about their instruments, music and culture.

Tessara presented to the party in her new emerald garb. Unfortunately, this doesnt leave room for a short bow and quiver Hoever she didn't expect to need her bow at a simple party. Her heavy duty adventuring supplies could be easily retrieved at the Lodge if necessary. The only part of her attire that didn't quite fit in was her everpresent monkey, perched on her shoulder.

"Nice to see you as well, Olik. I like the new gear. Very handsome indeed! ". After greeting her friend, she walks around the room, taking a quick pass to get a lay of the land, and see everything the shin dig has to offer.

"Olik, I should have thought to replace my own scabbard. A good call. In truth, I imagined leaving my sword at home, but thought twice before leaving the Lodge. Funny, I used to be able to go places without a side arm."

"I hope we all have a chance to have a good time, but it bears saying aloud: remember this is still a professional function for us. We should be careful not to indulge ourselves recklessly. In wine or women. Or men," he adds with a nod to Tessara and Tamarie.

Inside, Jirani mingles, seeking more new merchant and importer contacts.

Of his gear, Jirani only brings his sword and a dagger. The dagger concealed.

Tess brings only her wand, a potion, her dagger, and her spell component pouch, inside a small purse she keeps with her. She also has some sort of monkey snacks for her buddy.

Back when we were gathering before heading to the party

While discussing some of the finer points of Tian Xia business etiquette with Jirani, Olik notes nearby movement out of the corner of his eye that no doubt heralds the approach of the last of their group. Looking over, a greeting for Tamarie on his lips, Olik finds the words stick in his throat as he is taken back by the vision before him.

Tamarie, usually dressed in her well worn and functional travelling leathers, is wrapped in an elegant dress cut in the Tian Xia style. The simple dress is embroidered with a vine pattern using such a subtle green that it manages suggest the beauty of nature without seeming to break the purity of its white color. The interplay of light and shadow upon the shear fabric combine to hint at the lithe form contained within without a note of impropriety. The dress hangs loose below her waist and past her elbows where the lower section hangs well past her hands. The two concessions to color are a thin edging of green along the cuff of the sleeves and a matching wide sash that holds the dress closed at her waist.

Tamaries bare neck rises gracefully from the top of the dress. Her hair is bound above her head allowing her ears to proudly proclaim her elven heritage. Forgoing any jewellery her one adornment is the jade comb that holds her blonde locks in place, it's top carved into the shape of a hunting falcon.

In all the dress manages to evoke a simple, natural beauty drawing the eye to the wearers face where Tamaries eyes and smile fill the role assigned to gems by lesser women. The unobservant might well mistake her for a courtesan but those with sharper eyes will note the athletic build and confident, efficient movements that hint at her true calling. This air of confidence is a bit undermined at the moment by the blush on her face as she notes the attention she is receiving.

Snapping himself out of his revere Olik grins, offering Tamarie his arm as he proclaims,

"Well little sister, it seems your aunt has her work cut out for her tonight! Try not to break too many hearts."

Salador greets the others with a smile and a look of anticipation and excitement.

Yes Yes this is a very special occasion and opportunity for us all. These events are reserved for the the most influential and important members within the Society. To be invited is an honor. But for us it is an extreme honor indeed.

Salador seems to be wearing no armor of any kind nor carries any visable weapon. He seems to pat his blue coat a few time nods his head and speaks again.

Shall we be off then?

Once arriving at the party Salador will mingle with as many people as he can remembering names and stories they tell. He asks interesting yet unobtrusive questions to everyone he meets.

The ultimate goal is to befriend at least one of these influential members. It is not what you know but who you know in these circumstances and I intend to know as many people here as possible.

The strong, oaky taste of the whiskey settled on his palate as the fire of the liquor fired up his insides. He smiled at the buzz in his head that accompanied the savour and the burn. Malik Jiri, Cleric of Shelyn and all-around bon-vivant, walked briskly down the street. My first official task as a Pathfinder is to attend a party? Perhaps I misjudged these dust-diggers and tomb-tourers! He laughs at his own joke, a musical sound, coming from a voice that seems never to go deep enough to be considered completely masculine, nor high enough to be labeled feminine. His Garundi heritage is obvious in the shape of his face and the colour of his skin, where his countrymen tend towards a deeper mahogany, Malik's skin has a different shade to it, as though someone had tried to mix in an olive tone. His skin is accented by faint applications of makeup on the eyes to make him appear even more exotic. His eyes are a particularly striking feature, as they glint with an icy blue. Over all his is an attractive countenance with an expressive face that draws the eye only to have one's preconceptions challenged by his expressions that can shift from open and friendly to brooding and mysterious in a heartbeat.

Dressed for the evening in a stylish blue and white silk men's kimino, he is unadorned by jewelry. The kimono features a long-tailed bird in adept embroidery on its front. He approaches the group of Pathfinders with a smile.

"Well, it is good to see you all, my friends!" Malik calls out to them. "And to see yo all in such fine form for an evening of pleasure!" he laughs a belly laugh. "I am Malik! No doubt you have been told to expect me. I hear your last Cleric was less than discrete, but you can be sure Malik does not kiss and tell!" he adds with another hearty laugh.

"Well that puts my mind at ease Malik, I'd hate for my reputation to be ruined!" Olik greets the man with a laugh of his own. Considering him for a moment he continues, "Garundian? From what part of your peoples lands to you come to us? And a follower of Shelyn if that bird on your chest speaks truly.". Olik nods in approval at this last bit.

Malik smiles, "Ah, you have a keen eye for the peoples of the Inner Sea. I am indeed a follower of The Eternal Rose! Also clever about the faiths of the Inner Sea! But I am about to tell you a twist in this tale..." he says, leaning in conspiratorially, "I hail from Rahadoum." he finishes, letting the melodical tones of his voice extend the 'doum' ominously. He regards the others with his icy blue eyes.

"Ahh." Jirani offers his hand. "I see why you left our home continent, then." He turns to Olik to explain. "Rahadoum is a land without Gods. The practice of religion is forbidden. All religion." Turning back to Malik, "I am Jirani Kafr Abdu. I am from Osirion, originally."

Olik acknowledges Jiranis explanation, "I see. I have heard a bit about the Kingdom of Man but do not know much." Looking back to Malik he says, "When we are in less austere surroundings I will buy the drinks if you will tell me of this land without gods and how a rose grew in such a desert."

With that, and once others have had a chance to add their own pieces to the conversation, Olik will head into the party (jumping back to the tail end of my earlier post.

Salador is mingling quite well going from small group of no more than three in order to become a part of the discussion. His experience has shown that coming to a group of four or more when you are unknown usually leaves you out in the cold. The smile never leaves his face and he talks very intelligently to all those he comes in contact with at the party. He is not very good at the more social aspects but he is definitely trying to see and be seen.

Upon seeing the new arrival talking with his group, Salador moves effortlessly through the crowd to reach them.

Well hello I am Salador, alchemist and seeker of all knowledge. A Tiefling Cleric, now that is not something you see every day. I bet you have stories to tell.

After the group has spent several minutes perusing the party, you are invited into Amara Li’s private study, where you find her seated on a reed mat before a low table set with an exquisite porcelain tea set. She motions for you all to sit with her around the table, and once the door is closed behind you and you have taken your seats, she begins talking in a low, hushed voice without even the hint of a Tian accent:

"Well met, Pathfinders, and welcome to the Lantern Lodge. I hope you find the Snapdragon Festival and my hospitality worthy of your time and energy. I have not brought you here for mere pleasantries, however, and wish to ask you to partake a dangerous mission on my behalf."

"Long ago, one of my most esteemed ancestors, who was rich in power but poor in sense, gave a gift to a foreign prince, a gift that prince did not deserve and my foolish ancestor had no right to give — a ceremonial jade katana. At the time the gift was sent, its recipient was invading this island. He laid siege to Absalom from his fortress in the foothills of the Kortos Mounts. Like those who came before him, the warlord failed to take Absalom and perished in the attempt. On the very day of his defeat, his castle crumbled to dust in a violent earthquake and has been lost to the centuries ever since. My family’s heirloom was lost with it."

"A recent report by a group of Pathfinders gives me hope that they have finally found the ruin, and I might finally recover my family’s treasure. I’m looking for an intrepid group to retrieve it for me, and I’m hoping that is you. The fame and wealth you will doubtlessly recover will bring you much honor within the Society, and if you deliver the katana to me, you will have my favor as you begin your careers as full agents of the Pathfinder Society."

Tess was not surprised when she was summoned from the party, but that didn't mean she was entirely happy about it, either. She had enjoyed the distraction of the party, but she knew this was part of being a member of the society.

"I assume the sword is still in the Kortos Mountains. Do you have a way to get us there, Ms. Li? When are we expected there?"

Olik is still speaking with the musicians when a servant summons him to meet with the Venture Captain. Acknowledging the not unexpected summons he first looks about the room to be sure the rest of the party is headed in the same direction. Seeing that they are he wishes the musicians well and follows the man back to the study.

Entering the study he bows low to the Venture Captain and listens to what she has to say.

"Sounds more interesting than tussling with a couple of dog sized rats anyway." he chuckles to himself.

Once she finishes her story he asks,

"A fortunate turn of events for your family indeed. What in the Pathfinders report lead you to believe that this is the correct ruin? Was there much information on what we might find at the site?"

"The preservation of our history is important to my people, as well. I am honored that you would allow us to aid you in this mission. Who was this warlord?"

History to know the warlord: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18

Malik has been making the rounds telling a preposterous story about how he was robbed of his priceless jewels on the way to the party.

Bluff 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (12) + 11 = 23

Many believe his tale, however. Malik seems to be a skilled enough liar to get away with it most of the time. He has almost convinced one credulous debutante to lend him a valuable bauble when he is called in to meet with Amara Li. He departs his companion with regrets, kissing her hand as he leaves.

Listening to Amara Li's tale he appears quite rapt, but his eyes are penetrating in their gaze.

Sense Motive 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24

Amara nods gently to the party, "Yes, as far as reports have gone it is still out in the Cairnlands. I have some directions here." She pulls out a small piece of parchment which she hands to whomever will take it. "It should be easy enough to find now that we know of it's location."

Looking to Olik she responds "It fits the description of the old fortress, so we are fairly certain this is the correct location. There is little information about the site as the other Pathfinders did not delve very deeply. The fortress was under the command of Taliq Asad, an ambitious Qadiran general."

Salador is thrilled when he gets the summons and after hearing the tale knows this is a grand opportunity to shine in the eyes of a venture captain.

This is amazing I had hoped to gain favor but doing a personal service shall gain more

It would be an honor Venture Captain to do this for you.

Salador bows deeply with respect to his superior.

Malik smiles and leans forward. "Thank you for your faith in choosing us, Lady. But could there perhaps be anything you're not telling us? With our lives on the line I think we need to know as much as possible, yes?" he says as pleasantly as possible.

"I remember this story. There still seems to be some question as to whether the destruction of the Keep caused his defeat or if he engineered the destruction in case of his defeat. Were your ancestors in Absalom so long ago? Tian Xia is quite some distance from Qadira. Surely the katana wasn't tribute for a conquerer who was so far away from Tian Xia's borders? What was your ancestor's relationship with this warlord from so far away?"

Olik reaches forward and accepts the directions. He unfolds them and holds them so others can see them as he looks them over.

K:Geography to see if I know where they lead (how far, what kind of terrain, etc) and anything about the area - T10=16

K:History for info about Taliq Asad and more specifically about his fortress 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17

Olik looks up at Saladors response, smiling a bit to himself at his fellows eagerness.

Looking back to Amara he asks, Did the Pathfinders run into trouble or did other priorities keep them from exploring the ruins?

Amara responds to the questions in turn. "You know all you need to know to accomplish your task. As for my ancestor, the details have been lost over the year except to say he was foolish in giving such a gift. The Pathfinders who found the site did run into some troubles, I believe loosing one of their members, but I'm not aware of the full details."

Tamarie listens, and has nothing to add, as she draws a spiral across her heart.

Fare well, brother I never got a chance to meet...

"Did those Pathfinders who found the site return to the Grand Lodge? It would be valuable to speak to them if we could."

After her answer, Jirani turns to his fellow initiates. "I think we could enjoy the party for another hour or two, and then those of us who are interested should return to the Lodge to study this map and plan the trip. Then we can all enjoy a warm bed for one more night and tomorrow morning we'll get some supplies and head out."

"I am sorry to hear that." Olik responds solemnly.

After a moment he asks, "A jade sword should be fairly easy to identify. Were there any enchantments or special properties that would help us to locate it within the ruins?"

Olik agrees with Jiranis plan if the Venture Captain has no objections to the timeline.

Amara nods, "I'm sure they have returned but who knows if they've been sent on to another mission or not." she shrugs.

Once they complete their interview and leave the study Olik will comment to the group,

"This map isn't too impressive but from what I can tell the site is only an hour or so outside of town." He hands the map to Tamarie to see if she can make any more of it.

"I suppose that business will keep until tomorrow though." With that he'll start mingling again making sure to get a dance out of both Tamarie and Tessara before the night is done.

Olik will remain until the last of the their group is ready to go making sure no one is walking back to the lodge alone. Back at the lodge he'll meet up with Jirani and any others interested to discuss their plans and try and track down the previous Pathfinder group.

Upon hearing about the loss of a fellow Pathfinder Salador bows his head.

Did they state how our brother or sister loss their life. It wwould a great honor to avenge their death and put that trophy upon the grave. Ih course they were entombed locally I assume.

Tessara was pleased: she'd get to finish the party, and still head out on her next mission!

Jirani returns to the party to continue mingling. He makes sure to say hello again to a storekeeper he'd met earlier, whose shop carries exploring gear, since he may be seeing him again the next morning.

Back at the Lodge, Jirani starts the shopping list, "If it's only an hour by foot, I guess we don't need to buy horses. That was an expense I wasn't looking forward to. But since it may be sunk underground, we need to make sure we have lighting and climbing equipment. Some chalk, so we can mark our path to find our way back out. A compass wouldn't hurt..."

Amara Li looks to Salador "As I said I know little of the events aside from that one of their members were lost. You can try finding the group at the lodge, but it's likely they've been dispatched for some other mission by now. If there are no other questions enjoy the rest of the festivities before heading out tomorrow!"

As the group leaves Amara's tea room you are stopped by a man decked out in the military fineries of an Eagle Knight’s ceremonial uniform—a bright blue overcoat with polished gold buttons, gold eagle epaulets, and a fine, black felt tricorn hat. The handsome man is a charmer who clearly thinks very highly of himself. He speaks loudly and confidently, as if he wants the entire party to “overhear” his conversation with you.

"Greetings, Pathfinders! I hear you’re headed out into the Cairnlands on official Society business. Best of luck outside the city walls, though you look like sturdy enough adventurers. Perhaps not Eagle Knight material, but qualified for the work of a Pathfinder."

“A word of warning, though, friends—beware the walking dead. The crumbling ruins surrounding the city are rife with them, and you’re likely to run into more than your fair share over the course of your career. Undeath and the undead are more than just a physical peril, however. Undeath is the worst kind of slavery. And it should be eradicated like all servitude, whether to aristocracy or to mental control. Being enslaved to the flesh beyond when Pharasma calls one’s soul to the Boneyard is a fate I wouldn't wish upon my greatest enemy. So while you plumb the depths of Asad’s Keep, remember your solemn duty to your fellow man—both living and dead. Any undead you encounter along the way should be freed of their earthly shell."

“If you prove your dedication to freedom, the resources of Andoran will be at your disposal in your future endeavors.”

Jirani smiles and offers his hand but responds to him in a normal volume. "We appreciate the warning, Sir. In any of our journeys, Pharasma will receive what she's due if it's in my power to deliver them."

Olik considers the man and his obvious familiarity with the task they'd just been privately advised of.

K:Local to see if I know who he is 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

"Your advice is appreciated. I am Olik Vogenson." he says and offers his hand. "If we do run into the foul work of necromancers you can be sure we will put an end to it."

Thank you sir. I am a man that thirsts for knowledge what can you tell us of the undead that will help us combat them? Aumed with this additional knowlesge we shall be able to free them of this earthly realm.

"I concur, I would not wish undead upon my worst enemy. Be certain my bow will strike true if it bears even a semblance of undeath. Pharasma will get her souls."

Tamarie will excuse herself from the company, and oblige Olik with his dance.

He grins and responds to Salador "It varies on the types of undead of course, but you can't go wrong with holy water or if you have a holy man they have many ways of harming the undead. Aside from this of course normal weapons will work for most undead as well. I couldn't say what you might face I just speak from experience of the many Andoran agents exploring the Cairnlands who have perished trying to bring freedom to those bound to the servitude of a undead existence. I wish you all the best of luck and look forward to your safe return." He tips his hat and walks off into the crowd of the party.

"Almost makes me wish I'd studied when I was in training." Malik says with mock dismay. "A holy man, you say? Well, then it's lucky I found you all! You'd be reduced to bashing the undead with sticks or running away like Aspis agents without me! Haha!" he laughs. "Ah well, tonight we dance our cares away. Worries for another day! Ladies, will either of you do me the honour of dancing with this humble holy man? How about te men?"