GM Endless Forms' PFS 03-02 Sewer Dragons of Absalom (Inactive)

Game Master Mike Tuholski

You are at the Society Grand Lodge in Absalom where Venture Captain Drandle Dreng has asked you to join him for a light breakfast. You are waiting for the Venture Captain to arrive.

Go ahead and introduce your characters. We'll get started Sunday afternoon-night once everyone has checked in. See the Discussion thread to make sure your profile is updated correctly.

Desmond sits down and immediately begins piling food onto his plate. Eggs, potatoes, sausages - all in ridiculous ammounts. In between bites, he looks around at his companions."I don't think I've worked any Society jobs with any of you before. I'm Desmond - but feel free to call me Des."

As he speaks, bits of food fall from his mouth. Desmond self-concsiously brushes these morsels off the table and onto the floor. Feeling embarrassed, he decides to focus on eating his food a bit more carefully.

Anja looks at the food piled on Desmond's plate.

Good idea. If we've got a mission, it might be trail rations for who knows how long.

She collects generous portions of food for herself, though she does handle it with more dexterity as she eats.

"I'm Anja. I'm good with locks and traps."

Though he is quite young, Desmond is starting to go grey around his temples. "Nice to meet you Anja. I'm all thumbs when it comes to anything mechanical - but give me my bow and sword and I can get things done."

Hey, try not to sound like a bonehead.

Desmond continues eating.

While Sahar fills her plate, a fox slips into the room curling up under one of the empty chairs. Sahar sits in the chair the fox is under, and says a small pray to Sarenrae.

She looks across the table at the other Pathfinders, "Greetings brothers and sisters, I am Sahar of the Pashman river valley in Qadira. I have only just returned to Absalom from Kaer Maga two nights ago, so I dearly hope that whatever Venture-Captain Dreng has in mind for us doesn't involve any boats."

Reiko seeming comes from nowhere and sits a little coldly.

"I'm Reiko, I hope you all are capable. We will need our strength for the mission ahead."

The next through the door is a dwarf who's wild top hair and long, unkept beard has been kissed by a flame. His icy blue eyes scan the room giving a nod of respect to each of his fellow Pathfinders. He is dressed in simple garb. A sleveless shirt barely covers his torso to fulfill society's modesty requirements matched with roughly sown but loose fitting pants. The monk drops his pack at the door and announces himself.

"Greetings friends, my name is Shan Pangu. I have resently crossed the Crown of the World, so I hope our next assignment will be local."

His eyes then shift over toward the breakfast presented. "Ahh, fresh food. I have been living off of dried fruits and nuts for weeks. Such a blessed beginning."

Having ate his fill, Desmond leans back in his chair and dozes quietly.

"Past callings of Venture Captain Dreng has gotten Pathfinders into some interesting situations. If I may be so bold to ask if there are any among you able to use these two wands?"

Shan pulls out two wands from his pack. One is simple in design made of ash wood. The other wand appears to be made of a darker wood and carved to make look like chain links.

"This one is to cure any wounds one may suffer during battle. This other one provides the spell Mage Armor. If any of you would be willing to use these wands when I ask, I would be grateful."

Desmond stirs from his slumber and looks at the dwarf. "I can use the wand of curing. In fact, I have one of my own." Desmond rummages around in the pack leaning against his chair and pulls out a wand that seems to match the ash wand that Shan holds.

"I picked this up before my last assignment; I don't think I would have returned to the lodge if I hadn't had it. Our party was in over our heads." Desmond carefully places the wand in a small sheath attached to his belt.

"Unfortunately, I am unable to use the wand for your other spell. If you want me to use your cure wand, I'd be happy to. But, if you want to just hold on to yours for now I promise to not be stingy with mine."

Sahar looks up from her plate as the dwarf speaks, her dark eyes locking with Shan. "I have heard of people trekking over the Crown of the World, but I do not believe I have met one before. Excuse my ignorance, but how does one address you? Brother Shan? Aspirant Pangu? He-who-follows-in-the-footsteps-of-Irori?"

She clicks her nails on the bottom of the chair and the fox stands up, moving over to stand next to Shan. The fox lowers his head holding his mouth open to receive the wands.

"I believe sharing resources benefits the group more then just the individual. Thank you for your offer, Desmond, but I would rather you keep both hands on your bow in our time of need."

Shan looks at the fox with a curling smile parting his bushy beard, then response to Sahar.

"My name in the local tongue is Lord of the Mountain, but I believe that is more of an enduring term since I do not come from any nobility. Since we are all family in the cosmic sense, Brother Shan would be welcomed, Sister Sahar."

Shan then places the wands in the fox's mouth, handle first, with as much care as if they were sharpened dirks. He resists scratching the fox's head as he does not wish to belittle Sahar's companion.

Reiko takes a drink of some water and just watches.

Patience, hard to learn but a valuable lesson.

The aged Venture Captain shuffles into the room and sits down with a heavy sigh. He takes a moment to cough into a handkerchief before reaching for some food.
Discussing the forthcoming mission over a light breakfast of pastries and fruit is a welcome change of ruotine from Venture Captain Drandle Dreng's usual midnight requests.
As you well know, the Society has a need for discreet ways of moving goods into and out of Absalom. Over the last year we've developed some reliable routes through the sewers and caverns underneath the city and this has worked well for us until recently.
Over the last few months, a tribe of kobolds calling themselves the Sewer Dragons started disrupting our supply with traps and ambushes. We know of several tribes of kobolds beneath Absalom, and generally, they are only a nuisance, but these have proved particularly troubling. They have blocked a few vital deliveries of late and some Pathfinders have disappeared. The Decemvirate is starting to get concerned.
I need you to track down these Sewer Dragons and resolve this problem. I would prefer you make an effort to negotiate a truce of some sort with these pests. While I have little respect for the reptilian creatures who plague our sewers, I suspect if we exterminate them, some other threat will fill in the void they leave behind.
Dreng pauses a moment to finish eating a peach, then continues You could wander around the sewers for days and not find one of these Sewer Dragons. Fortunately, I have found a resource for you. A few years ago they hired a Taldan scholar by the name of Emral Xarvious to tutor the tribal leader's children. I suspect Xarvious can lead you to the Dragons.
The Decemvirate has a shipment of antiquities coming next week and I expect this situation to be resolved by then. It's up to you to ensure the shipment goes off with no hitches. There is no time to fool around-you need to get moving. There is supposed to be one more of you if I am not mistaken. Perhaps you should delay for just a minute and hope that they arrive soon. Oh, and before you go I have a few letters for you anyways.

Although Dreng is pushing you to get moving, you may ask him questions before you leave.

At this time you may make a Diplomacy (gather information) or Knowledge (local) check to see what you know about the Sewer Dragons.

You may also make a Diplomacy (gather information) or Knowledge (local) check to see what you know about Greeves and Xarvious.

Shan bow in respect upon the entrance of VC Dreng. He waits for the VC to sit before sitting himself. After taking in the presentation, Shan asks some questions.

"I have dealt with a pair of these tribes one morning in search of a lost Pathfinder. Nasty little things they are. I have gained a bit of sewer sense from the ordeal though.

"Venture Captain, have these Sewer Dragons given the Pathfinders any demands to halt their assaults? Also, do we have any reason to believe a greater power maybe pushing this particular tribe of kobolds."

Diplomacy for Sewer Dragons: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (19) - 1 = 18
Diplomacy for Xarvious: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (11) - 1 = 10

After listening to the VC's instructions, Desmond looks up from his faction request. He looks up at his fellow Pathfinders, "I have information that Xarvious is staying with a Creely Grieves. Does that name sound familiar?"

Desmond makes an assist roll for Knowledge (Local) for finding Xarvious and Greeves: 1d20 ⇒ 3

Kn(Local) Sewer Dragons: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
Kn(Local) Xarvious: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18
Kn(Local) Greeves: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17
I'll wait for results before Anja provides further commentary.

"The Pathfinders that disappeared... how many, how experienced, and do we know for certain that this tribe had something to do with it?"

"Or that they're responsible for the intercepted deliveries, for that matter? Those deliveries have anything in common? Were they taking the same path through the sewers, or was it the same type of goods each time they were intercepted?"

In response to Brother Shan, VC Dreng says, Under no circumstances do the Decemvirate approve any sort of tribute or ransom so if that's all the kobolds want, you'll need to use your most convincing tactics to get them to change their minds.

Now, we could fence some goods for them and get them supplies at reasonable prices. We can also get goods into the city for them if that's what they want. If the rumors I hear about alchemical substances and traps are true, perhaps the Society would be interested in purchasing items they produce for our own use in the field. I'll leave the negotiations up to you in either case.

Desmond: you can not assist on Knowledge checks, sorry.

Anyone else can still make checks if they haven't already.

The fox takes the wands back to his mistress. Sahar tucks them away in the sleeve of her robe. "You have but ask Brother Shan."

After the Venture-Captain is done speaking, and the other Pathfinders being to break up to gather further information, Sahar takes a scroll out of her scroll case. She takes a small pouch off her belt, and dumps it's contents into a bowl from the table. Her eyes glaze over as she recites arcane words and the end of the scroll busts into flames! She drops the scroll into the bowl and there is a quick flash of flame and a puff of blue-green smoke. Taking her glass of water, she pours it into the bowl mixing the ash, powder and water with her finger. She then sets the bowl on the floor under her chair and the fox begins lapping up the contents of the bowl.

DC 16 Spellcraft check to learn Charm Person from the scroll. Spellcraft: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17

The fox finishes the contents of the bowl, and curls back up under the chair waiting.

"The bookie and moneylender, Creeley Greeves? I'd heard they'd had a big argument, and the day after, Xarvious abandoned his apartment in a hurry. Anyway, Greeves is from the Puddles, if we want to talk to him."

A messenger knocks on the door as he lets himself in. He rushes over to the table and hands VC Dreng a message. Dreng sets down his muffin and read over the letter quickly.

Ah yes, here we go. Thank you, Tane.

I have had several informants gathering information to help you along. It seems that Greeves runs his business out of a former watch station in the Puddles. Anja seems familiar with the region, I'm sure she knows where it is.

It is also rumored that the Sewer Dragons have a skilled trapmaster sought after by merchants and the wealthy in Absalom and it may be that some of his most clever traps guard House Morilla and other noble resources. I would not doubt that you will encounter some of his famous traps along the way, so be careful.

A tall, swarthy Qadiran man comes hustling into the office, slightly out of breath. His pack and bandoliers are stuffed with a myriad of flasks and vials that emanate a cacophony of tinkling, ringing, and jingling. My apologies Venture-Captain Dreng. I was pulled off of an assignment in Garund. He shrugs his shoulders. Haven't got used to teleporting yet. He nods at the group and heads over to the V.C. to be briefed. Upon receiving his letter, he begins to study it while casting glances at the group. His eyes widen slightly when they fall upon Shan. To the group he says Does anyone know anything about kobolds? I have encountered one in my career and she was a mean old hag. Had me fit to tied. If we are to negotiate, what language do they use? Common? His face suddenly registers embarrassment. Oh, I am Ezrek Filosten, at your service.

Desmond thinks about what he he may know about kobolds.

Desmond rolls a knowledge (dungeoneering) check on kobolds: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Sahar's eyes turn and follow Ezrek as he enters, when he's done speaking her voice comes from under her niqab speaking in Kelish.

Ezrek's face registers surprise for an instance before regaining it's composure. He smiles slightly at Sahara before responding to her.

Reiko goes and sees what information she can gather.

Diplomacy (gather information) on Greeves and Xarvious 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
Diplomacy (gather information) on Swamp Dragons 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22

Turning to address everyone in common, "My apologizes, it is very rude of me to speak so as to not be understood. It has been many months since I have been able to speak to a fellow countryman. I would suggest a short detour through The Coins before arriving in The Puddles to seeking this Creeley Greeves."

The fox's ears perk up, and he lifts his head up off the floor looking around.

While standing to gather his things, Desmond gives Sahar a wink, "No worries. If I knew another language, I'd be using it all the time just to show off."

He finishes adjusting his pack and pats himself down with a slight look of concern. "I'm okay with a detour through The Coins, but I find myself in need of a dagger; I'll just need to make a quick stop to pick one up."

"I remember hearing about the Sewer Dragons when sharing stories with other Pathfinders. I recall that the Sewer Dragons are held in high esteem by their kobold kin. Their leader, Kibizax, believes his magics comes from the dragon blood that courses through is veins. In any case, he is a powerful chief known to have allied with a lightning-breathing dragon. Does anybody else know more of such dragons? No, this is not your basic kobold tribe. Hiring Taldan tutors with master trap makers within their company. They are a civilized people, and hopefully we can treat them as such. Finding this Xarvious would harvest benifical knowledge. When the time comes, is there any among us that could lead such negotiations with the Sewer Dragons?"

Shan then turns to Anja and says with a slight nod, "Anja, it appears the multiverse wanted you to be apart of this group. Hopefully your trapfinding skills can provide safe passage on our journey."

Shan then walks toward Ezrek and bows. "Brother Ezrek, it has been a few months since the Drownyards affair. I am glad to see you are in good health. Yes, our adventure has been blessed."

Shan then picks up his pack by the door. "I have no other questions. I am ready to follow where I am needed."

Ezrek's face breaks into a smile after Shan addresses him. Master Shan, I thought that was you. Your help in that affair was most fortuitous. He then addresses the group at large. I too am ready. If any are in need of alchemical substances, I would be most happy to prepare them for you before we get started.

Anja laughs when Brother Shan mentions the traps, "Yeah, this could be a good challenge!" She rubs her hands together in anticipation, and picks up her pack. She slings it on, and instinctively pats the pocket that keeps her tools.

You may make a detour to the Coins if you wish to buy supplies. List them in your next status update. I assume you are all heading to Greeves' business at the former watch station? I'll be back on tonight to detail what happens when you arrive

While in The Coins, Desmond steps into the nearest armory and selects a basic dagger from the selection on display. "A'yup, that'll do." he hands 2 gold pieces to the shopkeep.

Desmond has spent 2 gp on a Dagger. Is there any specific place to keep track of purchases during the scenario?

I'm happy to RP it out if you want, but...I just want some scrolls :) I think the level 2 spells have to come through the faction, so I'm sure she'd find a nice Qadiran merchant in the Coins to do business with.

Rieko buys a week worth of food rations and three torches.

Not much money, but these supplies are cheap enough

Did my gather information get anything new?

Thinking that Reiko has the right idea, Desmond picks up 4 days' worth of food rations to bring his total up to a weeks' worth.

Shan wanders by a spell scroll scribe, paces back and forth along the entrance, then continues on his way. He otherwise buys nothing else.

After making some purchases, you head to the Puddles district of Absalom. Despite the generally dry weather in Absalom of late, the streets in the Puddles are filled ankle-deep with muck, and the local mosquito population seems to have doubled. The Puddles is miserable even on the best days.

Anja leads you straight to a building in the heart of the Puddles. In spite of years of neglect, the old watch station Creeley Greeves adopted as his place of business has fared quite well. The grime-covered granite walls are still solid and the rusty bars on the windows are still thick enough to hold for years to come. An old, nearly illegible sign reads “Watch Station Four.” The only door to the station is closed.

You can not tell if anyone is inside at the moment. You may knock on the door and check or simply try to walk in. Opening the door will require a Strength check.

Desmond: just remember to write it down on your chronicle sheet when we're finished. Or write it down on your previous chronicle sheet if you haven't finished filling it out yet.

Reiko: you don't know any more than what VC Dreng or your party members have already told you.

Sahar scans the immediate area discreetly for signs of the Pathfinders being followed or watched. The fox lies across her shoulders rather than swimming through the Puddles.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

How many floors is the watch house? Are there windows on the ground floor?

"We should formally present ourselves. This Greeves is a moneylender, so I am sure he deals with people daily. But he is also a bookie in the Puddles too, so let's be careful."

Shan makes loop around the granite building to see if there are any other secret exits or peculiar notations in the walls.

Take 10 Perception with Stonecutting: 20

Sahar nods, "Brother Shan, I am not well skilled with honeyed words. Now if we need to put a little...fear into his heart..." The fox gives a low growl as Sahar cackles menacingly. Turning toward Ezrek she continues, "However, a moneylender and bookie would probably rather have coin put into his hand."

I think Master Shan probably has the right of it, but let's check this door. Ezrek proceeds to examine the door for traps and see if it is even locked.

Take twenty for 27, 28 for traps.

At Shan's words, Desmond places a hand on the hilt of his greatsword. He studies the exterior of the watch station, and tries to catch a glimpse through the barred windows.

Perception Check in Favored Terrain (Urban): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15

Ezrek nods to Sahar. Yes, you are quite correct.

Preception:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

If there is anyplace close that will allow her to hide Reiko will take a 10

Stealth: 10 + 11 + 1 = 22

After his surveillance, Shan shares any findings with the group.

He then looks at the party and poses a question, "Who among us would be best suited at these negotiations? I have had poor results in the past for my straight forward manner. Or it could be as Cheliaxian Pathfinder once said on a quest, 'No dude, its because your a dwarf.'"

Desmond clears his throat softly before speaking, "Well, I also lack the social graces for polite persuasion. However, I do have experience with less... savory means of getting information."

Hmm, I should've picked up a sap.

Reiko shakes her head.

"Sorry but my training has been more towards not being seen and being quiet. Not towards talking and being noticed"

Ezrek continues to examine the door, but from the tilt of his head, it is obvious that he is listening to the group's discussion. At last he stands and brushes himself off. Fine, fine. I will speak for the group if that is needed. It is lucky that I have a contact here in Absalom that will sometimes aid me in diplomatic...situations.