GM Endless Forms' PFS 07-14/16/18 Faithless and Forgotten Parts I, II, and III (Inactive)

Game Master Mike Tuholski

Mireille looks about nervously, wondering if she said something to offend the newcomers. The middle-aged woman only shrugs and resumes her dusting.

Clearing his throat. Atanxi speaks up. We have been sent on behalf of the Society by Venture-Captain Marcos Ferabellus to investigate Emberhold. He told us to meet with Zefiro. He simply asked us for a favor in return.....and here we stand. He holds his arms out wide.

"Zefiro should have told us that his name needed to be kept to the shadows. Likely, he was too worried about combing the gopher that resides on his upper lip." the Mother remarks.

"You." 'she' says, pointing at a child. "Don't let these rebels fill your head with nonsense. Insurrection will only be met with death at the hands of the Hellknights."

"We have come to warn a woman named Mireille about her potential discovery by the Hellknights and to ensure that she leaves town immediately to avoid capture." remarks the Son as he stands near the Mother, ignoring the fact that she is lecturing a small child.

"Is everyone in this town involved in intrigue?" Zahaz asks no one in particular after being chided by the woman.

"If Mireille was foolish enough to cross Hellknights then she likely deserves the rack, but since that would be counter to the interests of the Dark Archive, we will help her give them the laugh. Tell us where to find her."

The elven woman smiles. "I am an indeed Mireille. Zefiro is right to worry; I am worried too, as I've been in situations like this before. Never this severe though. I'm certain they've already checked my home so if we could just sneak back there I have a few hiding spots they likely overlooked and I can lay low for a while. It's not far from here but I will need help getting there. There is a secret door in the back room we can use to leave unless you have any better ideas of evading the guards and making it back to my home safely."

The Mother sighs. "Throw on a cloak and keep the hood up. If anyone asks, you are my ugly adopted daughter. I raised you out of the kindness of my heart and you can't lower your hood otherwise you'd scare the children." 'she' says to the elf. "In fact, bring some of the kids along. We can use them as diversions."

To the back door!

Samaeon attempts multiple times during the conversation with Mireille to get Zahaz's attention, but is ignored by the big knight. When the woman confirms the obvious, Zahaz turns slowly to glare at his servant. "This is Mireille..." He states, clearly passing blame for looking stupid.

"Yes master... Apologies master..."

Turning back to Mireille, Zahaz says. "We will get you to your case. If we cross paths with Hellknights we will give them the laugh, or give them a nick."

Hiro follows along quietly, wincing as the party is reprimanded by the maid.

He shakes his head in agreement when Zahaz mentions the state of affairs in this town.

At the woman's plan, Hiro merely shrugs, not thinking of a better. "Without our equipment, I'm afraid this seems the best plan."

The elven woman looks a bit worried but only says, "I hope you're good at passing a lie then. If that fails, I hope you have some money to pay them off or some way to distract them while I escape. Let's go."

Velia, the older woman, keeps a wide variety of powders, perfumes, and makeup on hand. Mireille starts throwing some on, at least to disguise her most obvious features. She then puts on a heavy cloak and covers up before following you out the back door.

Sure enough, you only get about half-way there when a pair of two guards turn the corner and make their way towards you. "Halt! Sorry folks, we just need to ask a few quick questions and do a bit of an inspection. Can you tell us who you are and where you're going?"

Atanxi spins around and quickly approaches the guards to hopefully throw them off guard. Yes, you can. he says holding a finger straight ahead. We are Pathfinders here on the behalf of Ianareth Alazario and Her Infernal Majestrix, Queen Abrogail II of the Thrice-Damned House of Thrune to visit your exquisite museums. Our business is official and sanctioned within your city and yet our weapons have been seized and now we are being questioned for simply walking down the road.

Atanxi throws his arms in the air.

The sooner we get our business done the sooner we will be gone and out of your hair. If you will all quit stopping us for questions every ten feet that is.....

Intimidate: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (16) - 1 = 15

His appearance very much like that of the local Hellknights, Zahaz steps uncomfortably close to the lead guard and stares him down. "As this one says, we are on official business, the dark of which is no concern of yours, berk. If you wish to lodge a complaint, you can do so at the Citadel."

Im not sure this would be considered bluff or intimidate, but Zahaz has the same bonus for either.
Bluff or Intimidate: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13
T-shirt Reroll to maintain Zahaz reputation: 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 12 + 2 = 22

Hiro's eyes widen as the guards approach and nearly come out of his head when the party starts trying to bully the guards. Wagging a finger at the guards, he tries to aid his companions. "You risk breaching diplomatic ties that have taken years to bridge and are still in their nascent stages. I hope you both are prepared to lose your posts and perhaps be brought on charges."

Intimidate Aid: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21

One of the guards rests his hand on his sap while the other signals to him to hold back for a moment. "Now I don't know why you're taking such offense but we are duty-bound to perform what we've been told and that was to search for illegal contraband and question folks about illegal activity. So if you'll just calm down and cooperate, it'll be over in a few minutes and you can be on your way. . . if you're not hiding anything, that is."

The other keeps his hand on his sap and asks, "So what business exactly do the Pathfinders have in Corentyn. And what business would a group of Pathfinders have in escorting little kids about?"

Of course we are not hiding anything. Your lot took everything from us this morning. Atanxi says as he opens his robes to show no armor or weapons of any kind.

A few minutes with you and when we round the corner we spend a few minutes with the next oaf knights that wish to impede because they have little else to do. If you wish we can go and speak with Her Infernal Majestrix, Queen Abrogail right now and sort this out. Though I bet she will not be very pleased with you. If you leave with you life you will be lucky.

Hiro holds his arms out to show he too is unarmed. "To answer your question, we are researching a small keep in the Eismonts called Emberhold. Ever heard of it? We have been invited to Cheliax by Her Infernal Majestrix, Queen Abrogail II of the Thrice-Damned House of Thrune and Ianareth Alazario delivered the invitation, so you see, we are here as guests, though you do not treat as such." Wagging a finger at the guards, Hiro continues. "The children are merely showing us around town, hired guides, so to speak." Reaching in his pouch, Hiro counts out ten gold pieces, and bows again. "Perhaps we got off on the wrong foot. If so, I'd like to make it up to you. Obviously we pose no danger, we are merely scholars and researchers. Now, we are wasting precious daylight, can we be on our way?" He finishes, the coins in his closed hand.

Diplomacy?: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

Zahaz looks just about ready to rip these guards to pieces, but Samaeon throws himself forward, groveling.

"We do not want trouble! What he says is true, we have no weapons, and have permission from important authority for our business here."

Diplomacy Aid: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18

"Showing you around, eh? Well, I don't know if they're the best guides but you're free to get about town however you'd like," the first guard says. The second pipes up, "If they're just here doing research, and sanctioned research at that, I don't think it's any harm letting them go about their business. Let's go, maybe we'll find a real criminal." The guards nod to you as they walk past and head down the road, leaving the way open.

At her house, Mireille assures you that she’ll lay low for a few weeks after—maybe even leave Cheliax for a time. She suspects it won’t be long before the unique hub of human activity draws her back, though.

Back at the museum, Zefiro is in a much better mood knowing that Mireille should be safe for the time being. He agrees to give you basic records about the archaeological sites you were interested in. Chief among these basic records is the notice that House Thrune posted in the town of Anglemire decades ago, prohibiting aid to the Davians:

Notice: By the grace of Her Infernal Majestrix, Queen Abrogail I of the Thrice-Damned House of Thrune, all residents of Anglemire are pardoned for seditious and treasonous acts. House Davian, found guilty of instigating unlawful conflict, is excluded from Her Infernal Majestrix’s mercy. Henceforth, all aid knowingly or unknowingly quartered to House Davian and its members will warrant death and eternal damnation. House Davian and all those still pledging loyalty to House Davian are hereby branded traitors to the Chelish Nation, and sentenced to death by starvation in accordance with Her Infernal Majestrix’s wishes, lawfully obeyed by authority provided under Edict 208.14A.

Hiro reads over the declaration, then hands it over. "It is not much, but it does fill in one detail."

Turning to his companions, he says. "I do not believe there is anything else for us to do here? If Zefiro has no other archives that might be of interest, then we can retrieve our belongings and travel to Emberhold, no?"

"Back on the boat and with my precious scythe..." the Mother says as she caresses the blade. "I guess Emberhold seems like the next place to be, at least we need not deal with the mustachioed idiot at the Museum."

"Hmm..." Zahaz reads the notice. "warrant death and eternal damnation... sentenced to death by starvation..." he grumbles, shaking his head with disapproval. "All this reveals to me is that Queen Abrogail The First was soft."

Passing the notice on, he agrees with Hironaki and Chrysalis Black. "Let us proceed to the primary purpose of our mission."

Oh crap. I totally forgot to give you a handout earlier after the briefing before you boarded the ship. Things will make much more sense in this next scene now if we time-hop back and insert that before pushing forward. Sorry about that!

Agents,
I recently learned that Zarta intends to send one of her own agents to Corentyn with a mission she’s elected to keep secret. I don’t think we should interfere, but I never like seeing agents go out alone. If you can, make sure Cassian is on the boat with you when you return to Absalom.

–Marcos

Through the journey to Corentyn, Cassion Redwold tends to the gear and readies everything in the hold of the Sea Sylph.

---

Your gear won't be available until tomorrow so I'm guessing you sleep the night off before heading out so that you can be properly equipped.

Before you leave Zefiro to tend to his mustache for the night, he remembers to deliver a message to you: you have been welcomed to spend the night at the West Drenches' Wicked Fork, where your rooms have already been paid for. The Wicked Fork is a weather-worn building marked by a trident with the central tine broken off and run by a talkative proprietor, Neld Havassavu. You are shown to your rooms, which are not too uncomfortable considering the state of the inn.

---

When you awake the next morning, Cassian is already downstairs, drinking at the bar. His clothes are disheveled, his hair damp, and his brow grimy-clearly he has already been hard at work this morning and indeed, your supplies are piled on a table nearby.

Cassian downs another shot and speaks low once you all come near. "I couldn't sleep so grabbed your stuff early and brought it here to keep my mind off things. Yesterday I was sneaking around for Zarta. Probably shouldn't be telling you this, but I met with a contact of hers. It was actually the same Tamrin Credence who was at the docks inspecting the ship." Neld is inching closer while cleaning a glass with a dirty dishrag as Cassian tells his story to you, clearly trying to overhear the conversation. Cassian continues nonetheless, "Then I come back here and find that rat is an agent for the Aspis!"

Neld cuts in, "Well, that's what I heard, anyway. His ties go back-way back. But that's how it goes around here. Everyone ties their cart somewhere, you know?"

Cassian looks down at his glass. "I'm afraid Zarta might be slipping back into old habits too quickly. Couldn't sleep all night, but I got everything ready for you; I imagine you're done with Zephiro and ready to head to Emberhold today. Good luck. I hope this trip is better for you than it has been for me."

Zahaz turns his helmed head slowly to stare down at Neld.

"This information comes from you?" He demands.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11 Yeah, I'm gonna guess that senses nothing.

"Hmmm..." Zahaz considers the man a moment before turning back to Cassian. "What confessions have you made to the Aspis that could be used against us?"

Samaeon is more diplomatic. "You are no longer safe here. It would be best if you would return with us."

Zahaz turns his helmed head slowly to stare down at Neld.

"This information comes from you?" He demands.

Neld shrugs his shoulders. "I talk to a lot of people, know a lot of things. Cassian here seemed like a nice fellow-and a good customer, to boot-so I let him in on what I knew."

"Hmmm..." Zahaz considers the man a moment before turning back to Cassian. "What confessions have you made to the Aspis that could be used against us?"

Samaeon is more diplomatic. "You are no longer safe here. It would be best if you would return with us."

Cassian shakes his head. "I think it's better that I don't tell you more right now. It would only get you involved and put you in a dangerous place. I think it would be best if I just played along for a little longer until I learn more. Maybe Zarta has her reasons and I just don't see them yet. If I need help, you'll know."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21

Atanxi studies the two men. Why would Zarta be getting information for the Aspis?

Grabbing a stool he sits down and rests his elbow on the bar, leaning forward at the new information.

Cassian shrugs. "I don't know. I don't like the sound of it but I'm just not certain what it means yet. But you folks don't worry about that just now, you've got some exploring to do, don't you?"

Hiro frowns at Cassian's revelation. "This Tamrain works for the Cheliaxian goverment, is an agent of the Aspis, and a contact for Zarta? It would seem the man is stretching himself quite thin as it were."

Nodding at the remark of exploring, Hiro turns to his companions to see if they are ready.

Zahaz looks ready to leave. Samaeon watches Cassian warily, but makes no further plea about his decision to risk himself here.

yes, perhaps you are right. Atanxi sighs. Standing from the stool he raps the back of his knuckles against Zahaz's metal armor with a clang. Ready?

Little remains of the town of Anglemire. Nature is reclaiming the few sturdy stone buildings still visible from the coastline. At the north end of the city, where the Eismont foothills meet with the rocky steps of the Menador Mountains, is a short square tower surrounded by the crumbling walls of Emberhold. Thick curtains of lush, green ivy reach upward from an ocean of waving grass and cling to the cracked stone walls—all that remain of the keep.

Today, Anglemire is home only to flocks of gulls, coastal winds, and the sound of waves crashing on a broken shore. Emberhold consists of a few free-standing stone walls and some crumbling staircases. The once superior masonry walls have deteriorated slightly. Remaining doors are warped open with rusted hinges and latches.

The Mother grabs 'her' scythe and begins to set off towards Emberhold with her Son in tow. "Ugh, the sea spray is wreaking havoc on my skin. I'll get more wrinkles just by being out here." she complains as they make their way to the nearest building.

Is that possible?

Atanxi loosens the sheath on his dagger and follows beside the she-man's son.

What could be inside after all this time?

Hiro takes a few moments to attune himself to his things, then peers up at the ruins. "I would guess there is something we would rather not encounter...." Hiro says in response to Atanxi.

"Or something that would rather not encounter us..." Zahaz flexes a claw and displays jagged teeth with a grin.

Samaeon wrings his hands nervously as he approaches his master. "A protection spell my lord." He says, then casts a mage armor spell on Zahaz.

Taking the lead, Zahaz heads toward the most obvious entrance. Samaeon stays to the back of the group.

Zahaz Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

The party makes its way inside, preparing for the worst. A fire long ago removed the roof and floors of Emberhold’s great hall. Five thick columns still stand amidst a dense gourd patch at the bottom of the large pit that remains. The main doorway on the south side is flanked by two stone staircases that wrap around the interior of the west and east walls, much of which have crumbled to the ground. To the northwest is a square tower that’s only partially standing. Weeds have overgrown a doorway on the east wall, which breaks on the northeast corner for a wide set of stairs descending from the ground level. A rusty iron gate still stands at the center of the pit’s northern wall, rising from the densest portion of the gourd patch and fencing off a descending set of stairs.

So essentially the whole floor is 10' down and the top of the pillars are at about ground level. The large gourds visible on the map are big enough to make the square they’re in difficult terrain.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

Hiro carefully scans the ruined area, pointing. "Perhaps we can enter over there to west."

I'm assuming there is door directly south of the party is standing? I've moved Hiro to the spot he is talking about.

Atanxi watches Hiro and follows loosely behind the man. [b[Let me know if you find an entrance over there. he says with a low whistle looking down into the sunken room.

Zahaz initially follows Hironaki, then overtakes him at the tower, entering and turning left to look over the gourd patch.

I don't see a gate represented on the map, but I'm guessing it's near the northern steps just below our tokens?

Unable to edit the map at the moment.

The Mother looks over Hiro and Zahaz with a scornful gaze. "Well? Do what you were hired for and remove that grate so we can be done with this."

Yes, over by Hironaki you can get in I think. The gate is in the central place but can be opened easily enough.

As you look down upon the overgrown basement below, you notice that there are actually some living creatures moving about: three little plant men walk on legs like tangled vines, their pumpkin heads are carved with eyes, mouths, and noses.

Atanxi kneels down by the ledge. What are those creatures? He slowly pulls his dagger from it's sheath.

"Hey! Pumpkinheads! What happened here? Why are you in the sewer, infesting this place?" the Mother asks of the creatures.

Zahaz stands at the steps leading down to the pumpkin patch, waiting for a reaction to Chrysalis' words.

I moved Zahaz on the map and added a token to represent Samaeon (he's the horned blue-headed creature).

The small plant creatures look up from their tending and cock their pumpkin heads to the side, clearly confused. They respond in two different tongues, hoping you will understand them.

"Any of you get what they are saying?" Atanxi kneels down and looks back to the group with a confused look.

"Is that a language?" Zahaz asks, having little experience with either tongue.

Anyone with magical abilities to understand languages? Anything you want to do otherwise?

Shrugging his shoulder. "No clue, but seems there is something across there." If no one stops him Atanxi hangs from the edge of the wall and drops down into the garden.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

The leshies continue to chatter and seem a bit anxious as Atanxi drops down into the garden patch, but his fall is neat and he harms neither himself nor any of the gourds growing about the place, so the leshies mostly stay back and watch in anticipation of your actions.

The leshies continue to chatter and seem a bit anxious as Atanxi drops down into the garden patch, but his fall is neat and he harms neither himself nor any of the gourds growing about the place, so the leshies mostly stay back and watch in anticipation of your actions.

You can make a Survival check to navigate the patch or you can make a Profession (cook or gardener) or Knowledge (nature) check to pick a ripe gourd.