GM Debug's Scions of the Sky Key (Low Tier) (Inactive)

Game Master DebugAMP

Game will begin as soon as Shifty's Year of the Shadow Lodge special is over.

Would you be able to estimate approximately when that might be? I'm hoping to bring one of my characters who's currently at about the last encounter of the scenario. If it's not in time though, I'll withdraw. Thanks!

The special is at the final battle, so it shouldn't be terribly long. As far as an estimate goes, i would say no more than a week, probably two or three days.

In that case, I'll withdraw then. I think mine would take another week or two at least. Sorry for the trouble and thanks anyway!

Each of you received a missive to report to The Laughing Lizard, a bar run by a pathfinder named Kel Na'Yaa. As soon as you arrive, his assistant, a Halfling woman by the name of Meralda takes you into a room in the back, and servers take your orders while she gives you a small smile.
Kel will be here soon to brief you, he just arrived from an assignment and is getting some affairs in order. Please, order whatever you like, it's all on the house.

As she leaves, you can hear an accented voice in another room [/ooc]Very similar to Captain Hook from the tv show Once Upon a Time[/ooc] shouting.
Oy Meralda! Where in the Nine Hells is my good shirt? I've only been gone six weeks and my entire office has been ransacked!

Meralda grins as she makes her exit, and laughs under her breath.
"Ransacked" my ass! I just finally was able to get in there and clean it!

The paladin, clothed in a lightly but dirty and stained coloured traveller's cloak moves to take his seat. Under his cloak, there is a hide shirt, bearing a faded red cross.

He turns to the server and speaks as he is seated, "Would you be so kind as to get me an ale please?

Before you is a skinny, small wayang with black and white skin. You see that his belt is filled with all sorts of alchemical weapons. He is wearing a mithral chain shirt and has a short sword by his side.

Strafe speaks in a raspy voice at the server, "Double that order. I'm thirsty, and it's the strong kind of thirst."

He turns to the party, "Name's Strafe. I only joined because my two brothers are in the Society, and my mother kicked me out saying I should do something with my life. I think it's more she wanted me gone than wanting me to better myself."

"Anyway, I always think it's a good idea to see what we're working with, so I'll start. I have all sorts of alchemical creations, as you can see. I'm quite adept at tossing them, and can even make some explosives on the fly." Strafe seems quite proud of his collection.

"I can also pick my way through locks, and paid some attention when I was being schooled during my Pathfinder training."

"Greetings, The name is Terenz, my ambitions in the society for a noble cause. I come from a town that was almost wiped clean because of the plague brought about by evil beings, as such I dedicate myself to eradicate evil and at the same time want to heal as many lives I can."

Pretty grim half-orc looks on the line for everyone present in the room. He struggles to say something welcoming but then straightens himself. His face retains equanimity. He just nods to the two Pathfinders, and drops one word: "Zaamir". Apparently, that's his name.

The halfling woman enters again with a tall Varisian woman of regal posture who smiles pleasantly at the other pathfinders.

"Salutations, friends. I am Laetshi of the Nicolae clan. I look forward to working with you all."

She takes a seat and orders a glass of wine.

The ticking sound of claws on stone could be heard as he slowly made his way into the room. A grin was given to one of the wenches who paled for a moment before looking away from the inquisitor. She had seen his kind but this was indeed unnerving to see one grin like that. When he entered the room he regarded each and everyone. Coal black eyes taking in his soon to be companions before nodding to each and everyone. "I am Farith Redloss, Inquisitor of Abadar, I will be at your service and make sure that the law will be upheld, I am sure that isn't going to be a problem?" With that said he put the shield from his back in the corner of the wall and next to it he put his morningstar before sitting down.

@Terenz "Revenge, huh? Well, if it's evil beings, it's probably for the best anyway."

@Zaamir Strafe looks at Zaamir inquisitively, not really having a response.

@Laetshi "Wine? Can't drink that stuff anymore. Need something that burns the throat more."

@Farith "Don't think I've broken the law before. At least not that I'm aware of."

An average sized Kelish man strides up to the group.

I am Khair Bitar. I am a seeker of knowledge and, when possible, wealth.

From the small golden touches on his turban you can see that he has not had much time for wealth as yet.

"Revenge is not the paladin way friend, what I seek is justice for the sick and the oppressed.

Meralda ushers the last of you into the room, and then leaves for a moment. When she returns, she is with a group of four other servers who load the room's tables with food and drink, and take specialty orders. Once everyone is taken care of, they leave, letting you all eat and converse. After you're about halfway done with your meal, the door flies open.

The figure standing in the doorway is at least somewhat impressive. A human man of about six feet, clad in black dragon-skin leather pants, a matching long coat full of pockets, and a crimson noble's shirt looks at you all, his hand resting on the hilt of a very well made, and highly magical, rapier on his waist. His belt is adorned with multiple pouches, and two bandoliers cross his chest, full of flasks, wands, and other types of alchemical tools. He eyes you all, and then smiles.
Oy there! I'm Kel, owner of this fine establishment, and the pathfinder in charge of making sure you get to this mission in one piece. I see Meralda has already gotten your food ready. That's good, we have a lot to discuss.

The man takes a seat at the front of the room, puts his feet up on a table, and takes a massive leg of ham from a plate.
You've been summoned here because one of our agents, a friend of mine named Nieford Sharrowsmith, has gone missing. About fifteen years ago, he began a dedicated study of the Mwangi Expanse, and within a few years his regional knowledge made him one of the Society’s foremost scholars in the region. In partnership with local merchant Aya Allahe, he founded Sharrowsmith’s Exports, a trade company in Nantambu that serves as a front for the Pathfinder lodge within. Over time, his role in the business combined with a promotion to venture-captain meant he spent more time administrating and less time actually exploring—much to his irritation and dismay—so when he came across a scrap of dwarven text referencing ruins in the Bandu Hills, Sharrowsmith made its exploration his pet project. But every time he tried to set aside time for an expedition, some other emergency or opportunity would demand his attention. Confident that Allahe and a handful of resident agents could keep the business running smoothly, he quietly slipped away for one last adventure. That was the last I heard from him. I finally convinced the master of scrolls to let me send an expedition looking for him, and that's you lot. I looked your credentials over before I got sent to a... function six weeks ago, and I believe you all will be able to find out what happened. I've already arranged your travel to the Expanse, so go ahead and buy whatever you need here before setting off. You'll have free room and food here for the remainder of today and tonight, and you'll be off tomorrow morning. Once there, you'll meet up with the merchant Aya Allahe who'll brief you more, and relay anything else she's found since I talked to her last. For now, enjoy the meal, buy what you need, and rest up. I'll be unavailable, as while I was gone someone ransacked my office and now I can't find some of my things.

He gives Meralda a pouty look with the last bit, and gets up while munching on his ham leg.

Meralda laughs after Kel leaves, and addresses you all.
His bark is much worse than his bite, I assure you. I'll arrange for you to have a ride around the city in the Lizard's wagon, if you need to travel to purchase anything.

Make purchases, and just make a "retcon" post. I'll go ahead and fast forward to The Expanse.

Your journey to the Expanse is relatively smooth, with you having plenty of time to get to know one another. Once you arrive, a local meets you at the dock your boat is docked at and leads you into the main city. He drops you off at an office building and motions for you to enter. There, you meet Aya, who gets right into business.

The reputable merchant and ally of the Society Aya Allahe paces one of the back rooms of Sharrowsmith’s Exports, a walled trade compound on the northern edge of Nantambu in the Mwangi Expanse.
I wish I had more to offer, Allahe apologizes before even presenting what information she has. Nieford Sharrowsmith never truly retired from being a Pathfinder, even after he started this business. I think, in his mind, he was still the young adventurer that hiked through jungles and fought off troglodyte tribes. Sharrowsmith’s attitude changed over the last few months—I think he was concerned for his legacy and how history would remember him. Would it be for his discoveries or for the export business that dominated his later years? The answer, I fear, was unpalatable.

“It was no surprise when he packed up and left on an expedition. But that was months ago, and neither the Society nor I have heard from him since. Sharrowsmith has never left for this long without leaving some word as to his status or sending rather demanding missives about business decisions while he was waist-deep in some jungle bog. When my own contacts failed to turn up any useful information, I had no recourse but to go through his private notes.

Allahe motions to the mess of documents scattered about the office.

What caught my eye was this translated rubbing. It appears to be the most recent piece of a very large puzzle Sharrowsmith was researching and indicated that he may be somewhere in the Bandu Hills. Traders from Fort Bandu have confirmed that he paid the garrison a visit, but that’s where my trail ran cold. Something happened out there, and Praetor Sylien—Fort Bandu’s commander—refuses to correspond with me on the matter despite knowing how close Nieford and I are. All I received in response was that Nieford had ‘done enough damage for one lifetime,’ and that if I wanted to discuss the matter further I would need to go to Fort Bandu in person.

Exasperatedly, Allahe runs a hand across her forehead and turns her distant stare out the window.

I cannot shutter the business and travel hundreds of miles on the off chance that the praetor can help; the company would fall apart. I’m hoping that you will be able to go in my stead, speak with the praetor personally to learn what has befallen Sharrowsmith and help him return.

She hands you the rubbing, an incomplete dwarven piece of parchment.
…and with this engraving, we commit to the histories the founding of Ashkurhall. Here we will strike the stone in memory of our ancestors and the promise of the sky that was taken from us. So far we have traveled and so long we have sought stone to call our home . In the shadow of the mountain the humans call Nakyuk, we will build a new future for...

She waits patiently for the inevitable questions from you all...

Throughout the trip, Zaamir was very withdrawn and uncommunicative. His vocabulary was mostly limited to words "Yes", "No", "Thank You." The scars on his face resemble the blows of the claws of the predators, but they are too neat and symmetrical, not to be artificially caused. Sometimes he for hours watched the fire and then began to whispering with someone, clearly getting the answers you not hear. At this moment, in the glow of the fire, his face were particularly grim and ominous.

***

He listened carefully to everything and then just says: "To the Fort".

Terenz nods intently as his listens intently to the events that unfolded at hand. He scribbles down some notes and tries to understand the problem that have been faced. What he lacks in experience, he makes up for in passion.

"We shall do as much as we can to assist in the matter at hand. How much do we know about his research? Did it ever show signs of aggression from any communities? Did Sharrowsmith have any enemies?"

The inquistor had been not one easy to talk but when approached would be willing to share his thoughts, ideas about what was going on during the trip. When they arrived and learned about the preator he frowned for a moment before he contemplated on the parchement.

Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Shaking his head he couldn't place the information of the parchement or the likes, Looking up at Allahe he frowned for a moment. "Is there any information known about the tribe / people that are talking about it all?" He would wait for the answer before giving Allahe a nod. "We will represent you in this matter and make sure that we will find what happened to Nieford Harrowsmith..."

Find a missing person? Pretty standard mission.

"Do you have any information on Praetor Sylien?"

Any applicable knowledges or gather information?

Eager to begin Khair has no questions for Allahe.

Laetshi thanks Meralda for the kind offer of the wagon, but decides to walk the city by herself a bit. If you wanted me to buy the wand in game, this is when I do so.

During the trip, Laetshi asks her companions a bit about them, but doesn't press too hard if they seem guarded. Her goal is only to ease tensions.

After examining the rubbing and hearing the responses to the others' inquiries, she asks, "May we hold on to this?" Refering to the rubbing if that wasn't clear.

Khair looks to the rest of the group.

Is everyone satisfied and happy to embark upon this endeavor

Just finished wrapping up, reporting, and chronicling four games that all finished at the same time. I'm going to take a an hour or two break and then get this game updated. Prepare for the "knowledge check info dump." Haha.

Then I'll throw out a bunch of knowledge checks in the hope that some of them catch something. Not bothering with dungeoneering

Khair Bitar sits quietly for a few moments, trawling through his memory of the various texts that he read in the Society libraries

Knowledge Geography: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

Knowledge History: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

Knowledge Religion: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

What do you know about the translated rubbing?
Not much. Sharrowsmith’s notes say the rubbing was made by miners in the Bandu Hills over sixty years ago, and the rubbing found its way to him through auctions he frequented. Whatever he read there, it lit a fire under him.

How well do you know Praetor Sylien?
I know him only by reputation. The grandson of an old elven explorer, he’s served the garrison for decades, though I hear he’s mostly retired now. My business associates say he is a fair and very pragmatic man, one who respects hard facts and truth. His being dismissive of my request sounds uncharacteristic.

Does Sharrowsmith have any enemies?
Of course, I imagine every Pathfinder does, though, he has rarely discussed them openly with me. Sharrowsmith never seemed paranoid or overly concerned about vendettas in his business dealings and never double-crossed anyone to my knowledge. I might wonder: how many enemies does your Society have?

What do you know about the Bandu Hills?
Most importantly, it’s a dangerous place. This is true of much of the Expanse, but the Bandu Hills have a dozen ways to kill before accounting for living creatures: heat, dehydration, landslides, poisonous plants, carnivorous plants, and so on. Unfortunately, the place is sick with riches like diamonds, gold, and silver—an embarrassment of wealth that only attracts more dangerous occupants. I am surprised that Sharrowsmith didn’t settle down there, to be honest.
Did Sharrowsmith always travel alone?
In his youth, he did. With his bad back, he needs teamsters to carry equipment and scribes to help with field research. But it’s quite out of character for Sharrowsmith to embark without staff. I think he felt like he had something to prove.

Knowledge (Local): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13

Strafe shares what he knows.

Local: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

Zaamir shrugs. He had never been to these places and there was little he heard about them.

"Thank you for sharing with us what you know ms Allahe, any small information could be vital in our expedition."
Terenz sounds concern at the matter, and absorbs as much as he can about what could have transpired. He turns to his allies.
"Should we attempt to question to Mwangi's in this area? It seems like they could be hostile towards outsiders"

Farith would share his limited knowledge (local 10) with the rest of the group to ensure that they were all aware of what they could run into, not that it was much. Turning his head towards the hospitaler a frown caressed the Tiefling his forehead. "I have no idea how they will react to us or what is going to happen. Chances are that they might indeed be hostile, I have no experience with the Mwangi themselves..."

Khair shares what he knows (All 3 knowledge geography tabs) with the group.

We should be careful. It sounds like there are undead and goblins out there along with the wild animals.

[B]"May the gods bestow their blessings upon us in the fight against evil. Shall we head to the fort?" [B]

"Well if everyone is satisfied, we should probably get moving."

The inquisitor gave a nod as he slowly got up and got the gear he put down. "I am ready to leave right now, unless someone needs to do some more or additional shopping?"

I am ready to head out.

Allahe gives you a rough map if you ask for one.

After making your purchases, you begin your journey south. The trip is uneventful, and other than bonding with one another, and your guide, nothing much happens.

The route involves traveling by boat down the Vanji River, then switching to canoes to paddle up the Little Vanji and Dzimmi Rivers. Finally, you wind through several of the lower Bandu Hills through a pass to Fort Bandu. The fort is a small frontier settlement surrounded by high stone walls located on the northern edge of Sargava. Within the fort’s walls, dozens of mining companies maintain outposts out of pavilion tents, hiring laborers and purchasing necessary supplies brought in by merchants from the north, south, and west. The fort holds a garrison of what you estimate to be 150 soldiers. When you arrive in Fort Bandu the atmosphere is noticeably tense.

Cold stares and accusing looks greet anyone openly identifiable as a Pathfinder. Merchants refuse to open their stalls to such visitors and lay blame on the Pathfinder Society for the “troubles of late,” though these traders are fairly tight-lipped in sharing details. Asking too many questions only gets a door slammed in your face or you being forcibly shoo'd from the stall.

Getting an audience with Praetor Sylien is a simple matter. When you arrive at the garrison and explain your situation and mention Aya Allahe’s name, a member of the garrison escorts you to the praetor’s office, a modest and utilitarian space comprised of several tables and a handful of half-stocked bookshelves. A war table featuring a map of the Bandu Hills region sits prominently in the center of the room, and three tall windows nearby let in a great deal of natural light.

The Praetor stands to greet you, and it's obvious he was in the middle of a conversation with the other man in the room. He smiles wearily as he greets you all.
Hello, Pathfinders. Allahe said you'd be here soon. I trust you found the trip enjoyable?

The gray in his once coal black hair belies the passing of his youth and the creases in his sun-beaten face tell a story of a lifetime of hard work and little rest. He carries himself with the pride and stature of a man half his age with seemingly infinite patience.

The other man stands as well, but doesn't display near as much patience or grace. He uses an ebony cane topped with a black, serpentine dragon coiled into a figure eight to stand, and sneers at you. His dark skin is marred by a scar on his left cheek, that runs from brow to chin.
Pathfinders. I shouldn’t be surprised. Only your organization would have the gall to so brazenly show its face when you’ve already caused so much damage.

Pathfinders, the praetor’s voice lacks the contempt of his guest, as if trying to subtly apologize for his tone. This is Amersanus Valacosti of the Aspis Consortium. We’ve been discussing the troubles Fort Bandu has faced of late—troubles caused by your organization. I was unwilling to disclose the details to Mistress Allahe by courier, but now that you have arrived, I feel it pertinent to explain the nature of Fort Bandu’s… misgivings. Venture-Captain Sharrowsmith came through here some months ago, gathering supplies and information before setting off on an expedition into the hills. There, he roused the local kobold tribes and angered them enough that they now actively raid our settlements and mining operations.

He sighs and gestures to Amersanus.
Amersanus and I were discussing how the Aspis Consortium may be able to help repair the damage your Society has inflicted on the people of Fort Bandu. Now that you’ve arrived, perhaps we can have a more balanced mediation. Your Pathfinder Society has a damaged reputation in the Bandu Hills, so I ask you state your business and why you think I should allow you to even so much as stay within the fort’s walls. What knowledge do you have of this land and its people that could prevent this situation from deteriorating further? I will only entertain questions regarding Sharrowsmith once I’m assured that providing you information will not further endanger my charges.

One of the PCs may attempt a Knowledge (geography, local, or nature) or Survival check to demonstrate the group’s familiarity with the area, and that you won't be as "incompetent" as Sharrowsmith was, and worsen Bandu's problems.

Probably not the best person to make a knowledge or survival check but good to be a mediator with my high charisma.

Terenz keeps calm at the poor situation the pathfinders face. Not knowing anything about the locals, he looks to his allies in hope someone should speak to bring down the tension.

Khair steps forward, hoping his studies of geography at the Grand Lodge will proive useful

geography: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

Dice gods, why do you hate me? Is it too late to take 10?

On the way, Laetshi asks one of the divine casters to hold on to her CLW wand to heal her.

"We must apologize profusely for any trouble the Venture-Captain may have caused," Laetshi begins as she attempts to ease tensions a bit while the others consider what they know about the area. "I assure you we will not make the same mistakes."

'Aspis bastard...' - Zaamir says through his teeth.

Locals: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20
Survival: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

You can see he's uncomfortable to communicate, he does not like to interact socially with people, in some moments it seems that it almost physically hurts him... But he's here not to do what he wants. "...I'm here not to do what I want... well... Not a bad description of all my life."

In general, he tells all he knows about these place. Most of it he heard recently from a local, something noticed right in the city itself, but it doesn't matter. "...They really think that someone outside this place knows something interesting about this hole?"

I'm a divine caster. I can hold on to it for you.

Strafe heeds to Zaamir's knowledge here.

Stafe is has a fair bit of knowledge.

Valacosti grows increasingly incensed as you explain your case.
Sharrowsmith professed an intimate understanding of the region and its delicate balance of power as well, and behold the results: dozens dead, dozens more missing, kobolds attacking our mining operations, and people living in fear of the next raid. Praetor, with all due respect, you cannot allow these Pathfinders to exacerbate an already delicate situation.

The praetor remains patient.
Amersanus makes a good point. Sharrowsmith was a well-read and knowledgeable man, yet he disappeared in these jungles and caused damage we’re only beginning to feel the impact of thanks to the local kobold tribes. How is your expedition different? Do you have the necessary strength to survive in this environment where so many others cannot? Show me that those weapons and spellbooks you carry are not just for show.

You must now demonstrate your combat prowess, be that through an artful flourish of a sword or a careful display of arcane power. One PC should attempt a caster level check, combat maneuver check, or Spellcraft check to display some of the magical or martial prowess the group possesses. As before, one of you may make the check, with others making aid another checks, if it is creatively done and aids the original check. For example, if the main check is a spellcraft check, then someone else trying to aid by making a combat maneuver check won't apply, but someone making a caster level check would. Good job on passing the first question!

"Do not trust this man, praetor. Bastards of Aspis are renowned for their meanness. Even if Sharrowsmit was the one got you in trouble, you will agree - everyone makes mistakes, even the best of us" - Zaamir speaks directly and openly, not caring too much about the persuasiveness of his words.

"What about testing... I hope this will convince you." - he grabs his scythe and his eyes bloodshot...

GM Evil, if I can do a trip combat maneuver against the agent of the Aspis - hell, I'll do just that!!

Trip or any CM: 1d20 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 + 4 = 23

Using Burst of Adrenaline at the moment.

i will assist on this one i think.

Khair coughs loudly, distracting Amersanus from Zaamir's movements.

Aid Combat Maneuver: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Wow, just wow.

This is not Strafe's forte at all. Unless they care about the construction and use of alchemical weapons. XD

Sorry for the delay in posting, been a bit occupied IRL to focus on the game

He regarded the Praetor silently and then let go off a sigh as the Aspis agent spoke. The glowing eyes tore into the man as if he was judging his soul to see if he was worthy for any comment from the Inquisitor. Turning his head to his companions he gave them a nod before speaking up. "I will assist anyone with any sort of magic to show the Praetor we are more then capable of handeling any challenge thrown at us."

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12 I will assist anyone doing a spellcraft check

Terenz looks on, displeased at the spectacle, but understands it is important to the mission at hand.
Also not my forte! Waiting for the chit chat!

Khair looks on as Zaamir demonstrates his combat prowess. Khair, at least, is impressed by the display.

Laetshi claps enthusiastically for Zaamir's display.

Posting the next set of dialogue for you to lead off of. I'll avoid making any major GM calls until everyone is content to move forward.

“Is this supposed to make an impression?” Valacosti is quick to dismiss the display of power. “If you think this situation can be solved at the point of a sword or by brandishing some hedge wizardry, you’re as ignorant as your predecessor. These Pathfinders will rush headlong into the jungle and slaughter the kobold tribe, creating a power vacuum among the other tribes and only worsen this disaster.”

Again, the praetor tries to remain impartial, though it is clear his patience is waning. “Once more I find myself seeing reason in Valacosti’ words. Strength of arms is all well and good, but this is a situation that also requires a certain amount of finesse. How do I know I trust you to handle this situation with a level head and a delicate touch when necessary?”