GM Eddv's CORE Living God Series (Inactive)

Game Master eddv

The man pays the tab and sits with you.

So let's stop being so coy - I know you're Pathfinders....and so am I. I have been working a case in this town for some time trying to crack the secret of the church of Razmir's recent hold on Tamran. The cult of Razmir appeared in Tamran about 2 years ago, first as a small band of missionaries. They soon raised the funds to build a temple, which was constructed over a year ago. Their power and influence in the city have grown ever since, and the local guards seem to give them no heed, even going so far as to dismiss any reports of their foul practices. Buuuuuuut, the man says with a conspiratorial look on his face as he searches the room for any who might be listening I suspect that the city guards help protect the temple, watching out for thieves and intruders because theyre on the take and in on the secrets.

He stops speaking for a moment as the appetizers arrive and takes a long drag from his ale mug as the comely waitress takes your orders.

It's easy to see the appeal. Members of the cult go out frequently to aid the poor and proselytize. Of course, this is just a cover for their more illegal activities, such as thievery, blackmail, and extortion. He has seen them beat a man to within an inch of his life, claiming the humble cobbler stole from the temple, while the city guards merely watched the event and took no action.

He gives a smirk Not only does this offend me as a worshipper of Erastil, but it creates a real problem for the Society and the stability of the whole region. Razmiran's church could easily create a real problem here in Nirmathas and create the sort of long term warring that makes our work almost impossible. Are you still following me here so far?

"I'm following you."

Sort of like when an alpha wolf bites a lower ranked wolf to get more food. Not sure I understand the problem here, but I guess human society is much more complicated than a pack of wolves.

"What about the artifact thingie we came here to locate. Any information on that?"

I do hope this does not turn out to be some kind of do-gooder mission. Bait and switch. We come here to secure an artifact and end up having to save the downtrodden instead.

Hugo accepts the food heartily, and listens to the man.

"Follow you? Are we leaving now?"

"I am following you. You want our help to disrupt the church in some way. I'd like the answer to Deluge's question. What does the church have to do with our artifact? Other than finding a body with a mask of Razmir we haven't seen much of a connection with our mission." Meran continues to eat.

The man continues As I said, Old Muttonchops - Valsin - messaged me about your situation. You are seeking an elf that adventured with Kassen. Well, this recent happening I am about to tell you about sort of fits between that and the mask you recovered. Speaking of mutton he takes a big chunk of it off the leg and plop it onto his plate.

You see, a group from the temple left to head up north a few months ago and returned a month later, minus a few of their number and pretty excited about something. After that group arrived in town, they hurried back to the temple. He takes a big bite of his food and chews.

I'm not actually sure what happened while they were away. Then, about a week ago, another group, this one led by a female elven cultist in blue robes, left the temple and boarded a boat. So you see....they might have come from where did, and this lady might be YOUR lady

The robe color is really important. Usually they wear gray or black or white, so this might be the temple’s leader, but I cannot be sure. They have not been seen since. He explains eagerly.

So, if you asked me, what you guys need to do is infiltrate their operation to figure out what they're up to, if that lady is your lady, and if they have your missing artifact.

Members of the faith heavily guard the temple itself
by day and night and they hold no public services, so the
only real way in is to join their religion. They that they interview applicants right here at the Ranger’s Lament. If you want to get in and do your investigation without doing a lot of murder, attending one of these meetings is the best way. The next meeting is scheduled for tomorrow night as a matter of fact. Deluge is able to, in fact, discern that from the flyer he picked up that Reginar is right on that point.

Capone looks at his holy symbol. "Almost seems blasphemous in my case."

"Do you really think we can convince them? They accept adventuring types?"

"One way to find out, Capone, attend a service and listen. Listening won't violate any tenants of yours, right? But it doesn't sound like my plan to burn the place down will help. Oh well."

"This meat good. Hugo take more, ok?"

All of this talk about religion and infiltration is going over his head.

Meran listens to the proposal. It sounds like it won't hurt to hear them out. We might find out another way in."

Ok the group agrees, more or less, with some reservations from Capone to go to the prospective members meeting.

It is replete with pie charts and graphs talking of the benefits of joining in with Razmir and being your own boss within the church of Razmir all over the pamphlets.

The meeting has not started yet, allowing you some time to figure out you are approaching things.

"Any of you heard about Razmir before today?"

Seoni will look through the pamphlets and try to keep a straight face.

Hugo shakes his head, No.

"I may have. Not terribly interested though, so if I did I promptly forgot it."

"Not in the slightest." Capone will read through and see just how bad it is.

Know Religion: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

Meran has heard of the religion before, and shares what she recalls.

"Pie charts and graphs. Must be a very money oriented religion."

Meran recalls the faith of Razmir being much more...cult-like than this to be honest. It is a group that follows the Living God Razmir who is a powerful being that may or may not be divine (reports vary).

They are a very ambitious group however and the adherents seek to recruit likeminded people which might explain the multi-level marketing style of recruitment.

The material mentions, in vague detail, something about the "31 steps" to enlightenment and the vast happiness, wealth and influence that comes to those who follow the way. There a couple others who linger but the 5 of you seem to be the only ones who stay.

About 20 minutes later a group of 6 men in robes and masks, 5 wearing gray and one wearing black, come in striking an imposing and impressive image.

After stepping up onto the stage, the figure in the black robes turns to the audience, his face hidden behind an iron mask. With a strong voice, he calls out, “You have come here to seek the power and glory of Razmir, and I am here to tell you that he has found you worthy!”

At that, all of the other priests chant in one voice, “All praise the Living God!”

“He is proud of you,” the black-robed figure continues, “for taking this, the first of 31 steps to enlightenment, the path of righteousness, the stairs to power and glory. Razmir is the one true god. What other god so richly rewards those who follow him?

“All praise the Living God!”

What other god lives among his people, guiding them with his wisdom and his might?

“All praise the Living God!”

" What other god can lead you to true salvation? None of them! Only Razmir can offer you the power, the fortune, and the glory that you desire. Will you join him?”

This time the gray robed men stay silent and a DC 0 Sense Motive check tells you that all expect some sort of reply from you, the audience. Black robes folds his arms and waits for an answer.

Deluge looks to the others, obviously not wanting to be the first to volunteer to join the annoying religion. He puts a hand over his face to hide the grimace of distaste.

Pah! Humanistic riches and power! Miserable misguided fools.

Sounds a bit like Scientology to me.

Capone stays quiet, not liking the situation at all; a slight frown on his face.

Meran shrugs, and stands up. I will join you. All praise the living god. I like fortune and glory." She gives her companions a look hoping one or two more would join her.

I can always work from the inside and they from the outside if this doesn't work.

Seoni is watching her companions and will go with the flow. Though so far it looks like her companions are not enthusiastic about joining.

Hugo wasn't listening until he heard "power, the fortune, and the glory that you desire. Will you join him?" So he simply cheers a loud "Yah!"

A tie... I'll let eddv decide.

What the heck. I joined the pathfinders, why not another misguided collection of nobs

Trying to keep his voice from dripping with sarcasm, Deluge mutters "Me too, I'll join."

bluff: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15

He actually manages to sound somewhat sincere.

Sarenrae, you know I'm not really joining and will leave as soon as our investigation is done. I know I've been fickle lately but please forgive me.

Capone mutters in a monotone voice, "Praise be to Razmir."

Seoni shrugs.

"All hail fortune and glory! Oh and Razmir."

As the group of you all stands and expresses your opinions on Razmir the tension in the room lowers and black-cloak snaps for the bartender to come out with refreshments.

They serve a lavish welcome feast complete with roast boar, fresh and roasted vegetables and, to your surprise, a free run on the kegs behind the bar.

Welcome to our organization, our new level 1s! We look forward to guiding on the path towards enlightenment - and enrichment but for tonight we celebrate the best decision you have ever made. Tomorrow, you become members of the flock!

"Baaa. Er, I mean thank you."

Seoni skips the kegs but enjoys the meat and veggies.

Hugo joins right in on the feast, still not quite sure what everyone is talking about. But the food looks wonderful, and he is quite hungry.

Capone doesn't say much and starts eating in the food, but skips the alcohol. He doesn't want to lighten up for Razmir in the slightest.

"Well, now, THIS is how you gain recruits!"

Deluge tucks into the feast, but drinks his own fermented milk concoction instead of the beer.

The party quickly finds that the feast....was a honey trap.

Each of you begins to feel a little woozy and falls over asleep in the middle of the bar.

There should have been a bunch of fort saves and potentially a fight here, but for the sake of time and a neater narrative, you all just rolled a 1 on your fort saves

You wake up, the next morning splitting hangover headaches accompanied by the realization that you're in some sort of cell, alongside an unknown 6th person.

He smirks Ah so you guys survived Step 1 too. That's good some people dont ever wake up!.

He offers his hand The name is Elvar, fellow level 1.

---

After a short time, Black-robe shows up with bowls of water, masks, and white robes for each of you.

“I must apologize for the way that you were brought here,” [/b] he begins with a calm, even tone. “We must be sure that you are pure and properly prepared to join the faith. Today you shall fast and meditate on the glory of Razmir. On the morrow you shall be sworn in and given your masks, made one with the body of Razmir; one piece of the greater whole. You shall become acolytes, and be allowed upon the first step of enlightenment. Rejoice! The path of glory and fortune shall be open to you.”

Capone is surprised when he wakes up from the drugs. He rubs his head and shakes it a bit, opening his eyes and looking at this fellow in front of him. Capone mutters unenthusiastically, "Praise be to Razmir."

Seoni takes stock of her surroundings and belongings.

"This wasn't in the brochures."

A FAST! The $%& !$%@$!

Deluge's stomach rumbles in protest.

"I am astounded by the blessings of the faithful, truly I am!"

Deluge searches his body for his flask.

[i]Please don't tell me they took my drink too. I'm going to need it to survive this nonsense.[/o]

Deluge is quickly able to find his flask however...

Flask Fullness: 1d100 ⇒ 59

He finds that is only about half full.

About 6 hours later, a man in a gray robe comes with dishes of water and slides them in for each of you...except Capone who he dumps the water on instead...for sarcasm.

Hugo takes a drink, and then offers it to Capone.

Seoni drinks. But mostly sits in misery.

She whispers "This isn't as fun as I had hoped it would be."

Deluge sighs, though with his flask he is mildly comforted.

"Well, it has to get better or they would end up driving all their converts away. This seems to be an endurance contest to weed out the ones they would rather not have. Once we get past a handful of these steps they keep talking about, we will be OK. Just hang in there guys."

Nice speech you creature of comfort. I give you 2 days before you crack. Less if they take your flask from you.

Praise be to Razmir." Meran doesn't sound enthusiastic at all about waking up in a cell. She does take the water and drink it to try to clear her head.

"My name is Meran. It's nice to meet you Elvar. What did you join for, power, glory, money?" She decides to go ahead and meditate as required or at least pretend to meditate. She's actually writing song lyrics in her head.

The boy sighs at Meran's comment Because I was mad, mostly. Lost my job recently and the promise o a better life with some rabble-rousers like the Church of Razmir seemed like just the ticket. I was homeless, so I t hought at the very least I would have a dry bed and some food and water. Two out of three ain't bad.

He very slowly sips his water dish.

There isn't a whole lot to talk about or interact with.

Every 6 hours a priest comes with more water and doesn't really address you.

Finally, after a day has passed you are led through a hallway into a larger chamber where a group of masked and robed priests await you.

In the center of the room there is a giant golden staircase and waiting on it is one of the black-robed priests. At the top of the staircase, on a pedastal is a giant glimmering golden mask. The priest moves to the eigth step and merely says Come forward

As they await your approach the priest comes down the step and reaches for a dull white linen robe and an iron-colored mask.

Deluge struggles up the stairs, fatigues by the lack of food, and visibly cranky.

"Do we get to eat now?"

Hugo's ears perk up at Deluge's comment. "Food?"

Meran makes her way forward without comment.

Seoni moves forward.

"Can I get one in aquamarine?"

Black-Robes gives Seoni a scoff. If you make it to level 27 maybe, gosh!

The other gathered priests give a slow polite clap as all of you and the other captured person, Elvar move forward and accept your masks and robes.

They wait patiently for you to put them on before chanting ALL PRAISE THE LIVING GOD.

Black-Robes points out a Gray robed acolyte "Krant here will be your mentor and show you the ropes now that you have been initiated. I wish you all good fortune in your endeavours."

Krant waits until everyone else leaves before he addresses the 6 of you. Krant himself is a very large, portly man who speaks in a rough way. " So at you all know the main purpose of the Church of Razmir is to get rich and powerful - nothing else matters a whit. No morals and ethics here. Get rich or die trying is our basic motto. With that, I will be teaching you fine upstanding Acolytes the art of the tithe. Higher level priests deal in bank notes and real estate, but for us simple panhandling is pretty effective at learnin' you ll the ropes of the Art of the Deal. "

He then lets you go on your way Dinner is bein' served - beef and gravy. Yous have an early day tomorrow so get some rest. Oh and don't let me catch you breaking any of the rules! he adds as he walks away in such a way that demonstrates he has no intention of telling you any of the rules.

After he leaves. "Jeez, what have we gotten ourselves into?"

"A meal, hopefully. Beef and gravy sounds good after a fast. Let's find the kitchen!"

Deluge starts poking his nose into various rooms and hallways.

"Rules? Hugo no agreed to rules." But he puts on the robes anyway, because they look nice.

Meran dresses in the robe, and puts on the mask. "Lets see what we can learn at dinner tonight. Then off to panhandling." She shudders just a little bit at the thought.

At dinner that night you are seated with a few other acolytes, but you notice that the gray-robed members seem bound to ignore you.

That said, you are still able to pick up on a few rumors and things, what would you like to ask about?