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

Game Master Dakcenturi

Salador if Tessara can get her tea out of the house would that be of use to you?

Turning to Tamarie

Can you see if Tessara can get her cup of tea out for us. It might be of use if we can get a hold of "medicine tea" to compare with.

There you go Tess...work your magic. Actually I think we've all ignored the biggest consideration. What does the monkey think of all this?

Once requested, Tessara will drain the liquid part of her tea in a large gulp, and using her finger will attempt to gather some of the remnants (leaves, roots or whatever the tea is brewed from) and stuff those in a bag for the others to inspect later.

Ill probably be out the rest of the evening, so make whatever checks necessary for me. Thanks.

Salador will take a look at the contents of tea

not sure she would be dumb enough to give us the same tea but I'll look into it

1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21

You're probably right Salador but perhaps it will be of use to compare. I'll see if I can find what she gives the kids.

Olik heads back into the house making a brief stop at the sitting room

Those children can really wear you out. It's amazing you can keep up with them all Ms. How do you do it? Turning to Volker Mr. Volker do we have a minute for me to say hi to the sick kids upstairs?

Assuming an affirmative

Olik heads up stairs and greets the children there. He takes a moment to talk to them while looking around for any tea cups (Perc 15). If he finds one he'll take it with him as he heads back out to Salador. If not he'll ask the kids if they know where Auntie keeps the medicine.

Of course Tamarie relays the message to Tessara.

"Tess, could you smuggle some remnants out from the tea you are drinking? We would like to have Saladar take a look at the contents, outside"

Volker you would know how the potions taste, for the most part they are cure potions or remove disease, etc. Although they don't taste great, there wouldn't be a need to mask it with tea.

Baltwin takes the package Volker provides, "Ah yes, the Silver Crusade, one of our better supporters! As for the children it really depends on what ails them. I've been doing this for some time and have a bit of experience. Excuse me a moment while I put these away for use later."

???: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

Olik comes in and goes upstairs to visit the sick children. Looking for some of this tea everyone is talking about he does find a cup of what was left of the tea one of the sicker children took and takes it back outside to Salador.

She stands up, walks into her office and comes back out a moment later. "Well I thank you for your assistance in delivering the medicine. Is there anything else I can help you with?"

While the lady leaves the office, that is just the opportunity Tess needed to pocket the tea remains. She takes the opportunity to do so.

Examining the tea Salador has come to a conclusion.

The tea is tea. no medicines in it. I believe from this she isn't using the medicines in the tea. It is all circumstantial but factual. Only my personal opinion but a feeling I jave she is probably using some donation or magics to heal and selling the rest. Again my opinion.

I'd like to see where Volker goes with the conversation based on what he was able to glean from things so far. If you feel it appropriate feel free to push on the concerns that that the resource provided be used appropriately. Past that I see our options as return to the paladin and report what we've seen (the good and the questionable), have Tamarie and Jirani head in and intimidate, or all of us go back in and push on her. The best thing to do would probably be to spend some time hanging out in the area watching for "shady characters" but we don't really have the time.

Olik will catch up with a few of the kids and ask them about their trips to the market (specifically if they go every day, if "Auntie" goes with them). He'll also ask about the kids others bring when they're sick (if that happens a lot, if they get better fast).

Once that's done Olik will keep an eye out on the surroundings to see if anyone seems interested in the groups presence or if they seem to be hanging around waiting.

Perception 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

[Ooc]Yeah the problem is that we have suspixions but no proof. So I say we head back report what we know and that's about it. [/oic]

Salador hangs his head.
suspicions don't mean much without proof but we cqn report them and let the good palladin do what she will.

Hate to say it guys, but she appears to be clean. Why don't we head back, and inform what we found. The six of us can't all have missed something, can we?

No Mam', and thank you for the tea.
Volker will walk out side and meet with the others.
I agree with you Tamarie, she's not being 100% truthful, but she's not lying either. I think we've found all that can be accounted for here. We should now begin back to report our findings and move onto the next task.

Olik nods and joins the group as they head out. Looking at Tamarie he says with a chuckle

I don't think we should feel bad that things seem to be run well enough. After all it's good to see the children are cared for. As has been said let's pass along what we've seen and let the Crusade decide if the efforts are worthy of their resources.

Turning to Tessara he'll continue

So Tessara are you also from the Stolen Lands? I would be most honored if you would tell me more of your and your peoples history. How did you come by that monkey for instance?

"Olik, I am indeed from the same land that my niece hails from. I've a bit more experience in the Golarion, and was chosen to accompany her during her journey to see more of the world. To help guide her trip, while allowing er enough room to grow and determine her own fate. That's a rite of coming of age with our group."

"Now little Zeriah on the other hand, she found me. During a dark time in my youth, when I was struggling with many things, she appeard more or less from nowhere, and over time, she has taught me much about the world. She's my constant companion, and the source of what meager magics I possess."

Note Feel free to RP in between or if there is anything with the paladin or jump right into it, in any case just setting up the next task on your list.

The party heads back to the paladin and reports their findings. She is extremely grateful for the aid and commends your hard work. She promises to look into matters further. You take your leave to continue the tasks assigned to you by Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin, heading to the Wise Quarter.

You make your way to the rich estate of Grand Councilmember Dremdhet Salhar, and are greeted by a guard who is expecting you as you reach the tall, wrought-iron gate. Once you are inside, a servant tells the group Salhar is not present, called away on important Council business, but his most trusted advisor is available to negotiate any business you may require. The servant explains this while leading the group down well decorated hallways, past expansive rooms. After a few minutes, the group arrives at a simple study near the end of a long hallway.

Inside a tan-skinned old man sits behind a desk flipping through pages in a large tome. Scraps of paper jut from the book marking over two dozen different places. As you approach the open door, the wise sage silently gestures the group into the study with one thin hand, while closing the tome with the other after finishing what he was reading. Once you are all inside the study, he addresses the group.

“Good day to you, Pathfinders. I am Amenopheus, the Sapphire Sage, advisor to Master Salhar. I understand you were sent here to discuss archaeological permissions. Knowing this was coming, I spoke with Master Salhar at length on the subject and have this to say."

“Since Osirion was reopened to exploration a decade ago, adventurers, historians, and treasure-seekers flock to my country by the hundreds, perhaps thousands. While most families with ancestral burial vaults maintain guards and keep their sites out of the hands of casual thieves, not all families have the wealth or power to restrict everyone, and as we all know, not every defense is perfectly secure. Unscrupulous tomb robbers and maligned merchant organizations cause Osirion to bleed relics into the Inner Sea—something the descendents of Ancient Osirion cannot afford. We Osiriani have thousands of years of rich history coursing through our veins, and while that power has been out of focus in recent years, we are content to wait, knowing our enemies will wear themselves down. As they fall into arrogance, folly, or greed, we wait for our return to power, knowing we bear the riches of our ancestors at our feet."

“Master Salhar remains impressed by the Pathfinder Society, orating in their favor a handful of times in front of Absalom’s Grand Council, in fact. Due to previous relationships between him and the Society, Master Salhar has agreed to grant permission to the Pathfinder Society to explore his family’s vaults below Sothis. The only thing he requires is that you retrieve the map of the vaults from his own vault here. The servant will lead you to the basement and show you the room.”

The Sapphire Sage’s eyes twinkle as he smirks knowingly, then he turns back to reading his book as though he had never been disturbed.

The servant comes in and ushers you out of the room before you have a chance to ask any questions, as to leave the Sapphire Sage to his studies. After leaving Amenopheus’ study, the servant brings you back through the spacious estate, leading you down sturdy stone steps into the cool basement. Down a hallway, after a couple turns, you end up at a plain wooden door. The servant opens the door, gesturing to the room with a bow, and waits silently for you to enter.

Salador steps in and waits for the others.

While walking back to the Paladins

Olik reaches out his finger to the monkey in a handshake like gesture.

Zeriah, a fine name. So not a familiar then but...

For a moment a grim looks passes across Oliks face as Tessaras true calling dawns on him.

Witch! the word crosses his mind with a level of malice and revulsion that only one raised from birth to hate a thing can feel. But like a summer storm it passes as quickly as it appeared.

A witch but not of Irrisen. Not one of Baba Yagas

My apologies Tessara. My people still feel the shame of our losses to the Witch Queen He spits upon making the reference and daily more of my kinsmen die holding off her forces. You can perhaps understand why witches are ill loved in my land. I would be a fool to paint their evil upon all who call upon similar powers though. You have been an erstwhile companion and I hope we shall become friends. He finishes with a slight bow.

With that he continues to talk with Tessara and Tamarie about the Stolen Lands.

Is there much of an elven population in the Stolen Lands?

Back with the Paladin
Olik generally hangs back from the conversation. Primarily he will speak to his view on the childrens health and level of care.

And lastly at the door...
"Seems we are to be tested again. Well perhaps this will make for a better tale than fighting rats or giving old women the evil eye eh" He says followed by one of his deep laughs. Shall we take a look?

If there's no light past the door he'll take out a coin and cast light on it.

Humm...three chests and a table in an empty room...it'll be traps then?

traps you say... well let's see what we have here.

looks at the chests without touching them.

perception bottom chest for traps: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
perception middle chest for traps: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
perception top chest for traps: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

anyone else good at finding traps?

Assuming Salador isn't crushed by something nasty on entering the room :)

Olik steps into the room with Salador. Looking about he gives each chest consideration and then turns his attention to the table.

Chests top to bottom followed by the table
Perception 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
Perception 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
Perception 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

Perception 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

Man, roll20 doesn't work well with my tablet, I can tell ya. It keeps centering on Tamarie, but I can't scroll up or down (well).
Edit: Is the map gone?

Tamarie will enter the room, and it appears her investigative mind is drawn to the chest. She is about to open one of them, when you can see her stop in her pace.

No no no, been there before..

"Better take a hard look before we start doing something ey? Could this be some kind of test?

Take 10 on the chests, since we have time, for 17.
Don't want to miss anything when it could be trapped.

"Stand back while I look, please. Don't want the rocks to fall and hit everyone at the same time," she says jokingly.

As the rest of the party enters the room or is ushered in by the servant if that is the case. the door closes behind you and you hear a most definite locking sound. You are left in the room with your compatriots, 3 chests, a basket and a jug of liquid.

"Careful, that steel box doesn't look very appealing to me, nor does the hissing coming from the jug. Let's step back, and pierce the basket with something, and see if anything comes popping out. I'll ready my arrow, in case it's one of those filthy snakes..."

Tamarie takes her bow and nocks an arrow, ready for anything threatening.

Tamarie you may have the best eyes of any of us. It looks as though the metal box is trapped, could you take some time and check the other two? I believe you can take 20 on the check.

Olik will then make his way to the table. Looking at the jug he'll check for a label.

Careful of the basket, sounds like we might have a venomous little friend in there.

Let's not be too hasty young huntress. I suspect everything in this room is here for a reason. But just to be safe

I'm picturing the basket to have a top on it and to not be huge in size (basically if there is a snake in it then it's not a monstrous variety) is that correct? If so then he'll do the below

Olik takes out one of the bags of power they found at the docks and gently places it on top of the basket to hold the cover down.

That should keep our little friend in place for now.

"This is clearly some sort of puzzle to solve. How about ignoring the obvious, and looking around to see what else is in this room? Perhaps the answer is a bit more hidden."

"That's why we brought you, Tessa. Always thinking outside of the box.. I've looked at the boxes Olik, and the steel one looks trapped, but I can't determine how or what."

Tamarie puts away the bow and arrow, but draws her dagger.

Be prepared. Always be prepared.

"Maybe I should just try to trigger it, and we'll see what happens?
Or maybe we could open the others first?
Or maybe we could... Argh! I hate riddles!"

T20 for 27 Perception, if it's allowed, to check out the steel box.

Olik nods at the wisdom of Tessaras statement. After looking things over on the table he'll spend a couple of minutes T20 to check out the walls, ceiling and floor. (25)

Tessara can you detect any auras of magic about?

Man, a guy can't go to sleep on this game!

Walking into the estate, Jirani lit up, recognizing the people and the decor. Ah! This must be the Osirion faction! He was disappointed not to receive a warmer welcome from his countrymen, but he recognized that this was a professional visit, so perhaps that explained it.

Jirani's lingering smile faded, replaced by an embarassed grimace, as Amenopheus spoke of the tomb raiders and fencers.

"Unscrupulous tomb robbers and maligned merchant organizations cause Osirion to bleed relics into the Inner Sea—something the descendents of Ancient Osirion cannot afford."

Or maybe that's why my welcome was so cool.

In the room, Jirani joins the others in examining the props. Take 10 on each, 16. (I went ahead and read the spoiler for those checking the chests and table.)

"No reason to bother the snakes if they don't have what we need. For starters, let's check the two untrapped chests." (Assuming Tamarie doesn't see anything with her take 20.)

Jirani opens the bottle, and takes a cautious sniff. "And perhaps Mr. Salador would like to see if he can identify this liquid. I was thinking we may want to move the table before we try to disable the steel chest, if we need to. In case the trap goes off, we don't want to accidentally overturn the table, releasing the snakes and spilling some liquid we're not familiar with. But if we do need to disable the trap, if no one else has the skills, I will try it. These are my countrymen, after all."

The witch nods at Orik. "Good thinking," she agrees, using one of her jinxes to allow to see any magical auras that might be in the room.

"Do you see anything, Zeriah," she asks her monkey, as it chitters to her.

alchemy check: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17
Salador will attempt to identify the liquid.

after he is done with that.

okay everyone behind the table with the liquid and the snake.
disable device: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 3 + 2 = 22

Don't want to load up too many actions before Dak has a chance to give results to prior ones but just to add a quick interjection prior to Saladors work on the trap. Assuming nothing major comes up that would make us not want to move it, Olik will assist Jirani in moving the table across the room so it's in less danger of being effected by any traps on the chest

Looking at Jirani Olik says :

A wise precaution my friend. No sense taking extra risks.

Tamarie gets down close to the steel chest examining it closely.

Olik careful searches the room for any other less than obvious things.

Jirani takes a brief whiff of the liquid and begins moving the table away with Olik after his searching.

Tessara looks around the room for magical auras.

Salador examines the liquid and begins working on the trap on the chest. Managing to jam an extra tumbler into place to keep it from moving when the chest is opened. It is still locked however

I see nothing about the room itself of interest. Well done Salador. Can you open the lock as well?

From the room picture there seems to be a label on the flask. If it's actually there Olik will see if there's anything worth reading on it.

No actual label, that's just the best bottle I had with Campaign Cartographer.

I think we need something else to open it. I can check the next chest.

take 20 since middle chest isn't trapped = 25

"All three chests are magical, for the record. Be very careful with them all."

Salador attempts to unlock the chest, with no luck as it remains locked.

Letting out a sigh Olik looks meaningfully towards the covered basket and says, "I have a thought where a key might be found. Before we consider that though were you able to find out anything about the potion Salador?

Feeling a bit nervous Olik will draw his longsword while waiting for Salador to check the other two chests.

it has a corrosive cleaning agent. Think of it as an acid of some sort. Well I stopped the trap on the first chest and was unable to unlock the second chest using all my ability. So we will need keys to unlock those. the third chest I will try to unlock now.

take 20 on the final chest for 25

Wops, would help if I actually described what was in the room wouldn't it? :P From when you first entered the room:

A plain stone room contains three chests: a copper-banded chest of smooth, dark wood; a red lacquered chest; and what looks to be a cube of solid steel. Behind the chests sits a low table holding a clear glass jar half full of liquid and a covered wicker basket.

Looking back at the door you see some writing that says “Within these cases lies your quest and your way out.”

Salador I need a will save

So based on the description and what we've investigated so far, all three seem to be locked chests. The metal cube looking one also has an opening (if locked) top correct?

Olik speaks with Jirani briefly

A wise idea my friend. If we use the table to block off a section of the room we can see what is in the basket without giving whatever is inside a chance to bite us.

I'll assume that little talk happens as Salador is working on the third chest and so will wait to see what happens there before proceeding with the plan if the group agrees.

Ah, I was thinking the locked door was at the top of the stairs. But that's a good adjustment.

"Well, there's also that key at the bottom of the jug of liquid. I was hoping we wouldn't have to try and get that. So presumably we'll need that key, maybe a key in the snake basket... and where's the last one?"

Seems like mage hand could get the key out of the jar. I agree, though, we should find out what happens to Salador after his will save before we queue up too many actions. BTW, GM, feel free to roll my save for me when it's prompted to save time.

"Man, I hate these kinds of braintraps. There are so many options, but I don't know what to do. Let me get some things straight.
One: There is a key on the bottom of the bottle, but the bottle is filled with some kind of acid. So can anyone get out the key without sticking his hand in?"
She looks around at Tessara and Olik, for the ways of magic are mostly unknown to her.

"This may sound stupid, but what if we pour the liquid on the ground, retrieve the key and open the box that we like best. I prefer the steel one, since trapped means that something more valuable is inside."

Tamarie says all this, with the obvious impatience of youth, and then allows everyone to think while sheputs her ear against the wicker basket.

Question: Do all the chests have a keyhole?
Knowledge nature to know what kind of animal is in the wicker basket? I have a hunch, but would like to kno for sure.
> 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17
> Take 20 if you'll allow it for 27.

Hearing there is a key in it Olik looks more closely at the flask

I should be able to lift the key out with a trick I know.

Looking at Jirani

I'd not seen the key in the flask, good eyes. Perhaps the third key is located in one of the chests....or perhaps there are only two chests actual chests...

Changing his focus to Tessara Olik asks

Any chance that one of the enchantments you sensed was an illusion?

Assuming Salador isn't mind controlled or turned into a newt

Olik steps to each chest and tries and discern if anything seems unreal about them. Opening his pack he takes out another of the powder bags and places it on each chest in turn.

Interacting with each to try and detect an illusion

Edit : Probably should have added some rolls. Chests from bottom to top

1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17

Tess keeps concentrating on the chests, trying to divine the source of magic on each chest.

will save: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (5) + 0 = 5

Trying to get caught up guys sorry for the length of time between posts. Had some RL issues. But I will try to get back into the swing of things.

Watch out it seems like this could be a bit dangerous. I would be carful if I was you.

Volker will stay back getting ready for what ever may come out of the chests, or that basket in particular.

Salador tries unlocking the final chest to no avail. Olik gives each chest a good look and tries them out.

Tess the above info I provided is as much as you can ascertain about the magic, I assumed you spent the three rounds. Tam they do all have keyholes.

"Snakes..." Tamarie whispers under her breath, "I hate them."

"So, how about it, smart and/or old people? Don't want to waste my good looks by standing in this room all day."

Olik smiles to himself when he comes to the copper banded chest.

Tricky

Waving his hand through the space the chest seems to occupy he says

"It would appear we only have two chests to contend with. Now let's see about those keys."

Rising he walks to the table and casts Mage Hand to try and lift the key out of the flask.

I'm assuming the flask is open already. If not instead of looking like a dope he'll open the top first :)