GM Endless Forms' PFS All For Immortality Series (1-3) (Inactive)

Game Master Mike Tuholski

I'm no more a Nalmois master Davoliznakamushka, but a Blakros. I am now a married man. Says with a smile Tamerius who commands his two remaining Elemental to search for any concealed passage or anomality.

The third one finished to excavate people under the rubles.

I agree, these vials must be given to their rightful owner, the Emir. But I fear he must change his captain of the guard and find more trusted advisor. I could help him find that.
My Order is specialized in preventing event to come and to deal with extraplanar activities, and most of all they are trusted agent.

After reading the notes after the gnome he adds to his comrades.

We have learn something big today against the Aspis. I hope our teams will also have good new and that their missions were successful.

"I've made a career of undoing the wicked, and often it involves thwarting the Consortium. I shall see this through."

By thwarting Loaralis’s schemes and recovering the vials of the sun orchid elixir, you have ensured Pashow’s continued prosperity and averted the civil unrest and coup that could have rocked the region. Within hours, the rioters disband, and Guldis announces the safe arrival of the last remaining shipments. The populace quickly repairs the damage inflicted and prepares to hail its renewed fortune. As the true heroes of the day, you can accompany Guldis to dozens of social events in celebration of the elixir’s arrival. For having slayed Loaralis, news of the deed quickly spreads and enhances your prestige even further. Much of the city’s industries are relieved at the death of the hidden crime lord to whom they often paid protection gold.

In the aftermath, the three Pathfinder teams report back to you. The Axe-Fitters proudly tell of how they struggled side-by-side with Pashow’s guards, earning the locals’ respect as they prevented an angry mob from destroying a marketplace. And, of course, the Boartusk Twins profess their life-long debt to your team for saving them from the fall and from the dragon

The Scroll Seekers report that the Aspis gold agent Kitio Aspenthi appears to be the one behind the attacks, and his other attempts to steal elixirs failed. He is now on the defensive, especially because it seems he failed his true master: the aggressive Prince Zinlo of Aspenthar. The team’s best guess is that Prince Zinlo hoped to instill unrest in Pashow and then annex it while it was weak.

Finally the Kernaug Group reports that the planar connection to the Astral Plane gradually subsided, though a strange cultist shifted to the Material Plane partway through the investigation. The Pathfinders subdued her and attempted to interrogate her, but as she spoke, she began to dissolve into liquid shadow and screamed as she evaporated. Before she died, they learned that she serves a member of the Aspis Consortium from within the shadows of Nidal; however, the team believes that the way she spoke of her master suggested that the Aspis Consortium connection was tenuous or otherwise “not right.” The only belonging left behind was a medical bracelet bearing the number “311.”

You, too, must report back after your adventure. Marcos Farabellus is keen to review the texts you recovered from Loaralis’s lair, and he congratulates you on a job well done. Already the Society’s fame in Thuvia has spread, and no doubt new opportunities in the region will materialize thanks to your efforts. He asks that you not travel far in the coming weeks, for he hopes that your clues will help the Society track down the source of the mysterious extraplanar records.

Chronicles will be sent out soon but Nikolai: you never checked into the gameplay thread. I still need your PFS number so I can report the game.

Bishop leaves the words and platitudes for the others. Instead he shakes the hand of each and every agent and looks them in the eye with a grunt of true respect.

"We have work to do. I've heard of agents numbered. There's death in our future."

311! That's who I played for that particular special, if it's of note at all.

Thorgan rubs his hands as if they became dirty through the whole fiasco, which in truth, they may have given all the blood splattered everywhere.

He makes it a point to educate the Axe-Fitters, Scroll Seekers and Kernaug Group that the Decemvirate has a penchant for sending Pathfinders of any competence on near suicidal missions, further reinforcing that they should give a wide berth to any mention of Runelords or Lissalans.

He proceeds to shake everyone's hand, giving them a nod and passing out small souvenir kegs apparently carried by his forgotten dwarven caravan, filled with exotic pepper meads and more.

"So tha's 't then? Time fer retirement at last! Ah'm sure they'll be sendin' another group t' deal with Zinlo... "

Then stamping his feet, he grabs his head and shakes it.

"Ahhh! What am ah talkin' about?! 't sounds near suicidal t' go up against a prince in 'is own country... sounds like a perfect job for us, now don't it lads?"

The elf from the special was 322, actually. Scenario should be released later today so we'll probably start Part II tomorrow.

Leveled up and ready.

my last post was eaten :'(

Tamerius, decides to debrief the teams after their successfull mission.

Well done Pathfinders ! You get the job done and without casualty, I congratulates you. With the information you find and ours we will be able to finish the job we've started here and get revenge from our Aspis' friends.
I hope we will work again together. In the meantime, enjoy your free time another missions is waiting for us.
and don't forget, Explore, Report and Cooperate !

Tamerius is ready for his next adventure !

Hey everyone! I've been traveling for the holiday weekend; sorry I wasn't able to get you started before I left. I'm going to burgle from DM S to get us going though and I'll be back to normal tomorrow after we get back to Wisconsin.

All for Immortality, Part 2: All the Gods Beyond

... In a closed room, high above the City at the Center of the World, in Skyreach.

Marcos Farabellus paces thoughtfully for a moment before rapping his knuckles on his desk to call the meeting to order. “Sometimes challenges force us to re-examine how we treat others, including old enemies. That’s a good thing, leading to growth and moments in which rising stars can distinguish themselves against dire odds.” He gives an appreciative bow before continuing. “I say this because we’re not alone in our struggle against the Korholm Agenda; they’re even more a thorn in the Aspis Consortium’s side than in our own. If we let those wounds fester, it will destroy us both. It’s jarring to work with the Aspis against a common foe, but their assistance might help us stop the Korholm Agenda before they could harm thousands more innocents."

“The Agenda was behind the recent events in Thuvia—again, well done on stopping that—and the team unearthed records of one Professor Kramolag, a member of the Aspis Consortium who has been supplying the Agenda with her technical expertise. When I discussed these findings with my contact in the Consortium, he seemed unsettled by the development but promised to handle the matter personally and relay his findings after the fact.” Farabellus smirks with chagrin. “We may be trying to mend some bridges with the Aspis, but I’m not so foolish to trust an Aspis higher-up at his word. I sent several agents to follow his team and observe from afar as they traveled to Nidal. Within a few hours, they had broken into an underground facility, left with bundles of strange relics, and set part of the nearby plantation on fire to hide their tracks. As youmight guess, my Aspis contact politely informed me that the matter was resolved and that I didn’t need to worry about it anymore. Bullfeathers!”

The Master of Swords lets the affront sink in before reaching down and dumping a stack of papers on the desk. “What my contact neglected to mention is that they never found Professor Kramolag. Our own experts have tracked down where she’s hidden based on intercepted correspondence and questioned survivors of that Aspis raid. She’s set up a lab on a barren island west of Nidal known as Wingless Rock, and hopefully she still thinks she’s safe and hasn’t run off yet. We’ve also found she has one other intact secondary lab at the southern edge of the Uskwood, and there are still unanswered questions about the damaged site near the Mindspin Mountains.

“If Kramolag’s research is any indication, she’s armed, dangerous, and has been calling the shots for the past year. I’d like you to lead the expedition there, ensure she doesn’t remain a threat to the Society, and secure all other information you can on any other plans she’s set in motion already. I’ve gathered the teams you oversaw in Thuvia to provide you additional help, and I’m letting you call the shots on this Nidalese campaign. I recommend assigning one or two to check out the secondary sites, as it’s only a matter of time before the Consortium or the Agenda learns what we know and destroy any remaining evidence there.”

He straightens and concludes, “Not every agent has what it takes to lead like you do. It isn’t easy, so I’m here in an advisory role until I have to attend to other business. Good luck.”

The Reports are for YOUR EYES ONLY:

Marcos Farabellus remains for a time in case you wish to ask him anything. He also lets you know that your three teams are waiting nearby for whenever you wish to call them in and brief them on upcoming tasks. Furthermore, he has secured transportation to different parts of Nidal for you and your teams, unless the you would prefer to provide your own conveyance.

Before they summon the teams, Davo ruminates a bit. "I have had a fair bit of experience in Nidal. Terribly unfriendly place, I am afraid. The Kuthites are inflexible - the Gorumite, Eskaravarn, is likely to have a bad time of it if she practices her religion openly while dealing with authorities. Although I must say she may not flinch at their creed of suffering... as long as she gets to inflict it." The gnome snorts.

Davoliznakamushka strokes his ear-whiskers for a bit. "I would guess that the Kernaug Group is best equipped to deal with the aliend monstrosities at Wirholt's Rictus, and the Scroll Seekers are well-equipped to bypass the defenses of the Uskwood site. Beyond that - perhaps the axe-fitters could support the Kernaug group with muscle."

Any knowledge check useful on these matters? Lore master take 10 for history, local and planes for 37 checks

Nidal is different, but less unfriendly than the Worldwound. At least here, the nature itself doesn't want to eat of maimed you !

After reading the documents, Tamerius says.

I agree with Davolioznakamushka about the teams' objective and assignment.

You might know of Wingless Rock’s reputation.

Here's a reminder of the three groups.

If seems you've caught on that Wingless Rock is the main destination that you should head for but there are some other tasks that you'll need to send your teams on so I'll wait for the others to weigh in on where to send the three teams.

"Interesting... I actually found Nidal to a remarkably reasonable place to visit, although I wouldn't vant to live there... As long as you obey ze local laws, and steer clear of ze capital, it isn't too bad."

Nikolai ponders for a moment.

"I agree, ze Kernaug group should go to ze Rictus; however, since ze Uskwood site is so dangerous, perhaps ze Axe-Fitters should go there? Then ve can take ze Scroll Seekers vith us, in case something else crops up, in media res...?"

"The Axe-Fitters, from my understanding, lack the virtue of subtlety, and the skills to identify and neutralize the varigated passive threats that are promised to exist at the Uskwood site. When dealing with an unknown, my preference would be flexibility."

"If my powers of recollection have not yet failed me, I would mark this Wingless Rock as former, as well as current, Aspis haven - one which our very own Society assaulted some 30 odd years ago during a move to disrupt smuggling operations."

The gnome turns and squints at the Master of Swords. "Master Farabellus, although I was an agent during that time, my service to the Taldoran crown prevented me from participating in all but the most cursory of expeditions. Perhaps, though, you could direct us to a distinguished agent who knows of those events, or perhaps there is some information languishing in a Chronicle somewhere? Any scrap of data may prove valuable."

"The Zon Kuthonites are just the kind of twisted people I loathe the most. I do know a bit about Wingless Rock though. Nidalese sailors give Wingless Rock a wide berth, not because it poses any serious danger, but because it’s not on the way to anywhere in particular and has a reputation for bringing misfortune to anyone who sets foot upon it. Supposedly, even birds refuse to roost on the unlucky rock. The Aspis Consortium once used a dilapidated fishing shack on Wingless Rock as a drop point for smuggling historic relics out of Nidal. Pathfinder Society agents disrupted the operation over 30 years ago. I think my mother was on that mission. We should ourselves go to Wingless Rock."

Bishop ponders Davo's thoughts on the teams. "I figure their lack of subtlety makes the Axe-fixers good interrogators. I'd send the Kernoug group to the Sundersun Site."

Knowledge (Geography): 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (17) + 15 = 32

Sundersun?

oops. I failed my metaknowledge check... I should hang back on this scene. My bad.

-Posted with Wayfinder

Just catching up now, I had an extra long work day on the 4th.

Chun Hei carefully studies the notes and listens to her companions before speaking.

"I do believe the Axe-Fixers showed their might in dealing with the crowds in the city and would be useful in interrogations. The Kernaug group's psychic powers seem particularly suited to finding remnants missed by the Aspis raid on Wirholt’s Rictus."

Chun Hei pauses for a moment before continuing.

"This leaves Uskwood, with its defenses still intact it sounds dangerous, but I have faith in Janira's group."

Chun Hai pauses again, gathering a pronunciation in her head. "Davoliznakamushka, you are the most knowledgeable among us. Do you think it would be worth bringing Janira and friends along with us in order to more quickly comb through any time sensitive information we recover, or do you think you can handle such things?"

Hope everyone had a good 4th. Catching up...

Thorgan rubs his head, then his eyes, before finally discovered some remnants of his breakfast in his beard and addressing those as well.

"Ach.. these veesee duties are stressful on th' mind, why can't we jess each take a crew ourselves to each o' th' sites? Wouldn't 't 'elp their chances t' 'ave one o' us along with them?"

(Not that at a meta level makes sense)

"Aye, ah agree though. Th' Axe-fitters go t' th' secondary sites, perhaps along with Janira's crew or th' psychics. Either one seems t' 'ave th' capabilities for sortin' out clues while th' Axe-fitters deal with anything needin' an axe."

Thorgan would send two teams together to the secondary sites, and keep the third team for en route, based on what he knows thus far.

Who are we interrogating? Folks at the uskwood site?

Bishop said interrogating, and that sounded like a good fit for the Axe-Finders, but then I read back over the initial post and didn't see anything. Seeing Bishop's next post, makes me think he accidentally spilled the beans on something. I've now tried to un-read Bishop's post, and will try mine again.

Chun Hei politely listens to her companions before offering her opinion.

"The Kernaugs seem uniquely suited to sifting through remnants at Wirholt's Rictus for lost or missing clues with their psychic powers."

Chun Hei pauses before continuing.

"The Axe-Fixers have proved their mettle in dealing with crowd control in addition to killing things back in the city. I believe they may be best suited for exploring the Uskwood site, and dealing with the unknown defenses that remain."

"This leaves us with Janira's band, Davoliznakamushka, do you think you might need their help sorting through time sensitive information at our location, or can you handle that and we'd be better holding them in reserve as Nikolai Tesla mentioned."

I think we are in agreement about Kernaug and Rictus. The others we have a couple opinions.

I am EXTREMELY sorry. Out of my 16,000 odd posts on the forum, I've never messed up that bad. IT won't happen again.

"Oh, I think I can handle most of our challenges that do not direct application of violence - I've been at this game quite a while, you know. Explore, report, and cooperative and all that. If we have need to transport the Scroll Seekers from one spot to another, I am also capable of transporting them via the shadow plane, but it isn't instantaneous travel, as those with mastery of teleportation magic might be able to effect. We would still need to provide a way for the teams to contact us. Sending or a silver raven or the like."

I could prepare spells to communicate with the teams. I could also use my tie to Hell to asks six questions about the sites and how best using the three teams or our missions.

Says Tamerius.

Nikolai nods to Tamerius.

"Zat actually sounds like a reasonable idea... Forewarned is forearmed, after all..."

The gnome turns and squints at the Master of Swords. "Master Farabellus, although I was an agent during that time, my service to the Taldoran crown prevented me from participating in all but the most cursory of expeditions. Perhaps, though, you could direct us to a distinguished agent who knows of those events, or perhaps there is some information languishing in a Chronicle somewhere? Any scrap of data may prove valuable."

"Well, I've given you what I know about the previous expeditions. it seems to me that Professor Kramolag has spent considerable resources researching otherworldly creatures and events, including the Astral Plane, teleportation mishaps, and cutting-edge alchemy. This is beyond the scope of one researcher, so she likely has capable assistants who know not to gossip. Go in prepared for the worst, and expect the unexpected."

"As for Wirholt’s Rictus? The Aspis agents walked out with their arms and bags full, so there’s likely something they missed. Also, those reports of strange beasts mean that it’s unlikely anyone else has managed to break in since."

Listening to your discussion of where to send the teams, Farabellus finally offers his own advice. He sighs and rubs his chin. “Pathfinding is a dangerous pastime, and what you and your teams are doing is more perilous than usual. That usually means casualties, and deaths are never easy.” He pauses in reflection for a moment. “Trust me on that. The best you can do is convey your best advice, offer what material assistance you can, and make educated assumptions about who will excel at what. It doesn’t always work. Agents watch you and can tell when you’re confident or when you’re scared. It’s okay to show some vulnerability and emotion, but instill in them the spirit to persevere in the face of what terrors await. Leadership isn’t easy. It falls on each of us to determine how personally we take responsibility when the worst happens, and I trust you to know what’s right.”

And yes, during the previous adventure there were three clear tasks and three groups. This time there are only two obvious tasks right now (investigating the raid on Wirholt’s Rictus and investigating the Uskwood). Along the way other tasks might come up. For now, you are welcome to send two teams to one site or hold the third team in reserve.

You can also give the briefings to the teams once you have decided who is going where. During the briefing you can make the following checks to give the teams a bonus:

• Wirholt's Rictus: Knowledge [dungeoneering or engineering]
  
• Uskwood: Knowledge [geography or nature]

The gnome ruminates on matters obscure and forgotten..

k(dungeoneering): 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (7) + 25 = 32
k(engineering): 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (18) + 23 = 41
k(geography): 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (4) + 18 = 22
k(nature): 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (20) + 21 = 41

Chun Hei responds "Yes Tamerius, I believe asking would be wise. Kernaugs to the Rictus and the Axes to the Uskwood. Ask if those would be wise?"

Wirholt: dungeoneering : 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (13) + 15 = 28 Bishop gives his best knowledge on all things related to the fauna and likely make up of the area.

-Posted with Wayfinder

Then he turns to Davo, gives a nod indicate that he's thoroughly impressed and leaves the explanation to him.

"Agents, you'd do well to listen. Not a mission has gone by where simple knowledge hasn't been key."

-Posted with Wayfinder

Before the mission briefing with the three teams, Tamerius goes in a small shrine dedicated to Hell. There, he uses Kahl' Heel as the medium between himself and Asmodeus to asks six questions.

-(1)Is sending the Kernaug Group to Wirholt's Rictus the best fit for them ?
-(2)Is sending the Axe-Fixer with the Kernaug Group the best way to use them for this mission ?
-(3)Is keeping the Scroll-seeker with us rather than to the Uskwood better for our mission.
-(4)Is sending the Kernaug Group to the Uskwood the best fit for them ?
-(5)Is sending the Scroll-seeker to the Uskwood better for our mission.
-(6)Is sending the Scroll-seeker and the Kernaug Group on each site - The Uskwood and Wirholt's Rictus - better for our mission.

At the shrine, Kahl'Heel's voice grows deep and rattles about Tamerius' head as the answers return:

1) Yes.
2) The Axe-Fitters' prowess would be useful in any situation.
3) The knowledge of the Scroll Seekers could be useful in many situations.
4) No.
5) That is yet to be seen.
6) That is yet to be seen.

So do we have final agreement? I think it seems pretty clear you guys are sending the Kernaug Group to Wirholt's Rictus but what the other two groups are doing is still a bit up in the air.

I still like AxeFixers to Uskwood, and hold Janira's group in reserve for now.

Bishop abstains, going with whatever the group decides.

Kernaug to the Rictus; Axe-Fitters to the Uskwood. Scroll-Seekers in reserve.

My vote is the Scroll Seekers to the Uskwood, Karnaug and Axe-Fitters to WR, but I appear in the minority.

Tamerius still has to weigh in after his divinations, but yes looks like we're close on deciding.

Chun: Axe=Usk, Scroll=Reserve
Bishop: Abstains
Nikolai: Axe=Usk, Scroll=Reserve
Davo: Axe=WR Backup, Scroll=Usk

As mentioned earlier, Thorgan would actually have the Axe+Kernaug go to one site, then the other. But if we split them up because "time is of the essence", Chun and Nikolai's assignment is fine.

Thorgan grumbles a bit when the consensus seems to emerge that the Axefitters and Kernaugh will each tackle their own sites, but agrees nonetheless.

"So ah always liked it when th' veesee gave me a choice o' what goods ah could take along. Ah remember this one time tha' Zarta gave me a budget and ah could pick anythin' within it..."

I'm good with giving them a stipend and dividing it up.

*nods* A stipend seems like a reasonable thing :-)

I propose to buy a silver raven for each team to stay in communication with them and a scroll of teleportation.

Once his communion with Hell finished, Tamerius come back to his comrades, giving them the results of the commune spell.

I says let send the Axe-fixer with the Kramolag Group. I prefer to be safe than sorry. Once deal with the first site. I agree with Thorgan, keep the Scroll seeker in reserve and send the Axe and the Kramolog first to Wirholt's Rictus, then to the Uskwood.
I propose to buy them a scroll of teleportation for they will be able to go to the next site with haste.

A teleport scroll doesn't do four people - a greater TP scroll would, or two TP scrolls

Bishop will gladly donate to the cause to help younger agents.

-Posted with Wayfinder

I don't think any of them would be able to pull off a teleport anyways.
I think the consensus is to send the Axe-Fitters to Uskwood. There was mention of sending them with the the Kernaug group to Rictus with the Scroll Seekers in reserve, but that leaves the Uskwood unexplored so I don't think you want to do that.

---

With the other agents sent out to investigate the Uskwood and Wirholt's Rictus, you head to what you suspect is Professor Kramolag's main research site on Wingless Rock.

Not even worthy of being called an island, Wingless Rock rises hardly more than 20 feet out of the water—far less at high tide—and measures all of 100 feet across at its widest point. Aside from algae and the inhabitants of sickly tide pools, nothing naturally lives upon the eroded, volcanic heap. The remnants of a gray, salt-blasted fishing shack lean amid the boulders on the southern coast, but no other features mar the ugly pile.

Ahead, a resigned pile of blunt black rocks endures the thrashing sea. Its shore is irregular and inhospitable, which might matter if anything of interest stood upon the barren heap.

You spot a sagging gray shack—little larger than a shed or outhouse—squeezed between two slimy rocks on the skerry’s west side. You also note numerous scuffs and scrapes upon the rocks on the western shore, suggesting the recent passage of booted feet.

[spoiler=DC 30 Survival check realize that the marks are indicative of dozens of boots over a span of months, all taking disparate paths toward the shack.[/spoiler]

Bishop and Timber take to the "island" and begin looking around, Survival: 1d20 + 28 ⇒ (18) + 28 = 46 (52 if human)

"Looks like a lot of activity, months and months worth. They come from all sides to this place. I believe this place has more to tell us."

Nikolai nods.

"Zat is good to know."

Davo erects dweomers - the ability to see invisibility, and magic that stirs feelings of heroism upon both himself and bishop.

"No doubt there are defenses that remain - we should proceed with all due caution." The gnome attempts to keep his eyes alert as he approaches.

See invisibility, heroism self. Heroism Bishop - both extended.

The gnome keeps eyes and ears peeled.

perception: 1d20 + 28 ⇒ (8) + 28 = 36

Remind me, who wants GMW and who wants Magic Vestment (Creating +3s with both)

@Chun Hei Tamerius will be happy to have GMW on his glaive.

Before sending the teams to their respective mission, Tamerius calls them for a meeting.

Pathfinders, we will send you in two locations. The Uskwoods and Wirholt's Rictus.
What we know about the Uskwoods is this give the team what Davo and Bishop knows about it. We will send the Axe-fixer and the Scrolls Seeker both team will explore this site.
The site is known to be a small version of the one in Wirholt's Rictus. It possess all his defense and after Wirholt's Rictus' attack we think it will be well defended and ready for an attack. Be careful and once deal with the defenses don't break anything and try to get all the informations you can from it.
As for Wirholt's Rictus we think what was found near the ambush site during your precedent mission is link to it. As you have already encountered this type of ennemies we think you are the best to deal with it. Finish what the aspis' team couldn't. Find what they took and what they left and close this site once and for all. What we know about this is give the team what Davo and Bishop knows about it Now to help you in this missions. We have gathered some equipment to help you. 2 scrolls of sending for each team. Once you have found something use them to contact us. We've also arranged your safe passage in Nidal as well as all you need as lodging and traveling.
Agents, remember Explore - Report and Cooperate !

On Wingless Rock

Tamerius looks around him for any sign of danger. Following Bishop's advices as he's the most experienced Pathfinder in dealing with tracks.

Thank you for the in character assignment speech!

With a nod of thanks to Davo, Bishop heads in.

-Posted with Wayfinder

Ahead, the only structure visible is a small fisherman's shack. You approach warily and see that the door is not locked-indeed, the structure is not sound enough for the door to even hang or close properly. The wind whines eerily through cracks in the shack’s gray timber walls, blowing in salt that encrusts the room—especially the heap of rusty junk upon a splintery table. Along the rear wall, damp sheets smother a bed frame inexpertly cobbled out of driftwood.

Unfortunately, there is also a woman inside who leaps up and levels a crossbow at you as soon as you appear near the front of her house. She has salt-blasted skin and woolly gray dreadlocks with damp clothes and yellowed linens wrapped around her arms and neck. "Yous best be gettin' outta here, or you'll get a kiss from me crossbow! Or even worse, from meself! I've got the cracks, don't ya know?"

Natives of the Inner Sea probably recognize "cracks" as slang for leprosy.