GM Evil |
All of you are met at The Laughing Lizard Inn by a young half elven boy who leads you to the offices of The Grand Lodge, and into the office of Ambrus Valsin. It's widely known amongst all the Pathfinders that Ambrus is a gruff, no nonsense fellow who often gives new recruits "busy work", just to keep them from being idle.
When you arrive, Ambrus isn't in his office and the boy bids you to have a seat and wait. He scurries off as soon as you do so.
Go ahead and introduce yourselves!
Amba Okoah |
The dark-skinned woman, in her thirties by the look of it, takes a seat. Her skin tone tells of an origin in Garund, while elongated ears mark her of elven descent. She wears practical traveler's clothes that wouldn't get a second look in any town or city. Her chest is protected by a jerkin covered in scales and she wears a thin curved elven blade on her back. Held by a strap on her backpack is a mighty bow, currently unstrung. Her outfit is completed by a pair of flashy golden earrings and a brown cloak, held closed by a brooch bearing the three daggers of Calistria.
She seems amused, or excited, by the prospect or work for the Pathfinder Society, but the set of her mouth indicates something is bothering her. "Tell me," she says, "have any of you met this Ambrus Valsin before?" The woman speaks quite fast, in an accent that can't be placed easily. She clips the vowels of her words, and injects melodic shifts in tone that aren't normal in Common. "I have heard that he keeps new Pathfinders busy with chores, instead of giving them decent work. I would think that, with the recent attack, he could find something useful for us to do. Let's see. I am Amba Okoah, by the way. I don't think we've met."
She stands up to shake hands, meanwhile making a quick tour of the office in search of something to drink.
Huckleberry Buck |
Bursting through the door comes a tall human with a belly like a barrel, a long wild unkempt beard. A fire in his eyes doesn't hide his crazed smile as he looks around at the rather quaint offices. With a rifle in hand he surveys the scene before realizing it is safe.
Seeing the only other person in here, he'll walk over and introduce himself, spittin' in his hand first before grasping Amba's outstretched hand.
"Wooooooeeeey, I sure done be excited ter be here! This be only mah second mission. Name's Huckleberry Buck! And I ain't nevah met Valsin!"
Toa Tilly Nah T'mi |
A small man in workman clothes with an owl on his shoulder. He wears a plain wooden mask and wooden armor with a scythe. His skin is pale but tanned.
Toa shakes his head in a curt negative.
"We have never met him."
GM Evil |
Just waiting on the last two to check in and we'll get started.
Seleena |
A thick-necked, small-headed, slightly stooped, green-skinned, slump-shouldered woman strides in gracefully. Her hair is cropped short and she is really rather ugly. She looks around at the gathered pathfinders and sits down to begin fingering the tip of a well crafted bow.
"I've never met Valsin."
It's embarrassing to be a confirmed Pathfinder running fetch and carries...
-Posted with Wayfinder
Amba Okoah |
Amba seems baffled by the two most recent entrances. "Well, you two aren't really talkative, are you?" What's with the mask?
She comes back around to the rural type with the rifle. "Buck, is it? Relax. No need for anyone to get shot here."
Amba Okoah |
"True that," Amba replies, "but I think we are safe here." She pats him on the shoulder to ease him. "Tell me. Where are you from? You do not have the look of the city."
Huckleberry Buck |
Looking around at his companions before answering the question, "Ai'm from Turtleback Ferry in Varisia, been trainin' with the society fer sum time now, damn giants killed my family. Wut about ya, why're you in tha society?"
Jidai Oyuki |
A fit young woman looks up from a book she has been studying, Unbinding the Fetters.
"I am Jidai Oyuki," she says. "I have temporarily been released from my duties as temple guardian. Gladly would I join this mission in my quest for enlightenment and knowledge."
Kaeldra Starfell |
Kaeldra, a medium height blonde sorceress dressed in robes appropriate for adventure, walks through the door and scans the room quickly looking to see if she happened to arrive before Valsin. Upon seeing that he has yet to arrive, she lets out a relieved breath.
"I was afraid I would be rudely late to the party, but it looks like I arrived just in time after all!"
The diversity in the room makes her smile. Her journey so far has exposed her to so many new people and things even though this will only be her second mission. From the looks of it, this mission will be just as exciting as the last.
"Hello, everyone! I'm Kaeldra. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
She takes an open seat nearest to the door, and looks around the room once again this time a little more appraising of her surroundings. The room looked normal enough with the atmosphere that you'd expect to come with a Pathfinder Society member. She places her idle hands in her lap and waits patiently on Valsin to arrive with their mission briefing.
GM Evil |
The polite sorceress barely has time to fold her hands in her lap before the door busts open and Venture Captain Valsin strides into the room. He takes a seat behind his desk, and tosses the Pathfinder closest to him an envelope. He motions for the agent to read it, and then pass it around.
“All right, Pathfinders! Listen up. I know you are new recruits
eager to make names for yourselves in the organization, but first we need to make sure you are up to snuff and won’t get yourself killed out there. I have a number of small assignments for you and your team, and it would be best if you could finish them before the day’s end.
“Every day we get some doe-eyed hopeful or some sniveling bootlicker willing to do anything to join up with the Pathfinders. Most of them are
good kids, but not all of them have the salt to make it in a world like this. It’s rough out there and I’m not just talking about the ruins, tombs, and wilderness Pathfinders find themselves
in on missions. We’ve got people who look down their noses at us, folks who think we squander our resources, and agents
who want to take everything we have collected. This wealth of knowledge
and these items of lore make us the most powerful organization on the
planet. That said, since we are fractured and widespread, it’s difficult for that power to light on anything for too long. For every friend of the Society, there are two enemies."
“Your first mission, to test your mettle and loyalties, sends
you to meet a few people important to the Society living here
in Absalom. These are other venture-captains or close allies of
our organization, so follow their orders as you would mine. I’ve
prepared a list of things I want you to do. They’re not arranged
in any particular order of importance, but I want them all
completed as quickly as possible. Only report to me once you
complete them all. Included in the envelope you hold in your
hands is the list, complete with the name of your contact, and
directions to the meeting location.”
The contents of the envelope are just as straightforward as the Venture captain, and are simply written and to the point.
Assignment List:
☐A man named Guaril Karela runs a curio shop in the Docks called
the Pickled Imp. Go to him and fill his request as a favor to the
Society. I believe it has something to do with a set of rare books.
☐ Ollysta Zadrian requested aid and is expecting you at the Temple
of the Shining Star in the Ascendant Court. She needs someone
to deliver a parcel of medicine and curatives to a needy orphanage
and verify the character of the recipient.
☐ Visit the offices of Osirian nobleman Dremdhet Salhar in the Wise
Quarter. The Pathfinder Society needs to obtain permission to
delve the Salhar ancestral vaults beneath Sothis. He has made a
verbal agreement, and your visit makes it official. You will receive an
official charter and detailed maps. Do not embarrass the Society in
this matter.
☐ Chelish Paracountess Zarta Dralneen possesses an item loaned
from the Vaults. Meet with her in her estate in the Ivy District and
retrieve the item in her possession.
After everyone has read the contents, Valsin shoos the party out.
Go, get started now. Idle hands and all that...
Seleena |
I've played this one a couple times now so I'll take back seat
Seleena stands up and heads for the door.
-Posted with Wayfinder
Kaeldra Starfell |
Once the list reaches Kaeldra, she studies it carefully trying to commit the list to memory. One of the items stands out to her more than the others.
"If we vote on where to go first, I think visiting this Ollysta Zadrian and delivering the medicine to the person in need should require our immediate attention. Surely, if someone requires such a remedy their disposition isn't ideal. I would hate to delay this task and something bad happen to them as a result."
She stands from her seat getting ready to set out on their adventure no matter what order they complete the tasks in.
Jidai Oyuki |
Jidai nods solemnly.
"I am content to be on this mission with those interested in helping the sick," she says sagely. "Surely this is the task of most import today."
Amba Okoah |
Amba is about to answer Buck on her reasons for joining the Society, when the other arrive and finally Valsin barges in. "I will tell later," she says to the Varisian as she takes her seat, greeting Jidai and Kaeldra as she goes.
--
Amba bristles at the tone that the Venture-Captain takes. doe-eyed hopeful? Good kids? Who does he think I am? As he concludes his explanation of the assignment, she seems determined. "Very well. We will perform these tasks, to show that we are up to standards. The sooner the Society can put me to use on actual work, the better. Yes?"
She leans on her chair to look at the notes once Kaeldra studies them. Her fingers mark some points in the air as she reads the various tasks. "That one seems to be a good one to start. The Ascendant Court is not far from her. The others are also close by, except for the Docks. We might have to save that one for last. Let's show the Venture-Captain that we can be effective and efficient."
GM Evil |
As you all make your way to The Temple of the Shining Star, you are greeted by the now-familiar streets of Absalom. Being the "City at the Center of the World", the metropolis hosts several districts that are verily cities unto themselves. This particular leg of your mission takes you to the Ascendant Court, and as you travel its streets you leave the hustle and bustle of the "main" city behind, replaced with horse drawn carriages of nobles and other well-to-do people.
When you arrive at the temple, you are immediately rushed to the office of Olysta Zadrian, and she wastes no time getting down to business.
“Thank the light of Sarenrae you have arrived! I knew Ambrus would come through for us in the Silver Crusade. I desperately need you to bring medicine to an orphanage and let me know if the headmistress, Gilga Baltwin, is deserving of our charity. Since our quest began, the needy have clamored for our aid, and I suspect some are abusing our generosity. It may sound cruel, but there are plenty of dishonest people out in the world eager for easy gold.
Do you know of the Silver Crusade? After discovering so many factions splintered the Society, a number of us banded together to proliferate the cause of charity and kindness using the Society’s resources. As it is said, ‘The Dawn brings new light’ and I’ve made it my life’s work to use our recent darkness to bring a new light to the world and to the Pathfinder Society.. I apologize for straying off point. Will you bring this parcel of medicine to Auntie Baltwin’s Home for Recovery in the Eastgate district?”
She looks at you, hopeful.
Seleena |
Seleena nods. If no one else takes the package after a moment, then she takes it.
-Posted with Wayfinder
Amba Okoah |
Amba gives a small bow with her head, in respectful greeting. "Blessings of the Gods upon you, for your good work. The Silver Crusade? That word has meaning beyond charity and kindness, does it not? Does this group take an active role in righting what is wrong?"
She takes the parcel, listening to the potential dishonesty of its recipient. She sounds stern, despite the ever-melodic tone of her voice. "If there is deceit in play, we will learn of it. Preying on the good faith of others must not be rewarded." She strokes the brooch holding her cloak together.
Kaeldra Starfell |
Kaeldra frowns deeply after hearing Olysta's concerns about the orphanage's headmistress.
There really isn't much sacred left in this world.
"Like my comrades said, we'll deliver this remedy swiftly and make sure the truly needy get what they need. If she's abusing charity, we will find out and she will be removed from her post. What a poor example to send to the children!"
Kaeldra closes her eyes for a moment trying to regain her composure. The thought that the poor children of the orphanage are being taken advantage of sends her blood boiling. She opens her eyes and looks at her comrades and Olysta earnestly.
"I apologize. I let me temper get the better of me. I shouldn't rush to make judgements when I don't know what's really happening yet. Rest assured, the truth will be discovered and handled appropriately."
GM Evil |
Olysta replies to you all.
I don't know exactly what you'll find, as far as proving her character either way, but I'm sure something will come up. Perhaps ask those close to the orphanage, or those who have dealings with it? But please, hurry off and find out what you can... This is a thorn tat has been bugging me for far too long, and I am glad to finally have assistance in the matter.
After that, you're rushed out the door once more, and sent along to gather information about Auntie Baltwin. It doesn't take very long to reach the neighborhood that the orphanage is located in, and there are plenty of people willing to talk about Auntie Baltwin.
You can make Diplomacy Checks to Gather Information, or Knowledge Local Checks in order to find out the local's opinions of her.
Seleena |
Seleena helps the others ask around, adding a word here, a gesture there.
diplomacy, aid another: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21
-Posted with Wayfinder
Kaeldra Starfell |
Diplomacy, Aid Another: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
Kaeldra asks the local townsfolk about the mysterious Auntie Baltwin and their perception of her.
Huckleberry Buck |
Listening to the exchange, "Woooey, some ol' biddy's abusing charitay? We'll figger somethin' out,"
Walking through the city, he's spent some time in town and knows a guy or two, Kn: Local: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21
"Ya know, Ai think ai know a guy'who might know this Auntie Baldwin,"
Amba Okoah |
"Yes, ma'am," Amba replies. "We will let you know what we find out." What that, all is been said that needs to be said and Amba leaves with the others.
As they enter Eastgate and get close to the orphanage, Amba's demeanor changes. She doesn't directly approach any of the Absalom city folk. Rather, she keeps her eyes and ears open. She loiters on a street corner to overhear a conversation and buys an apple from a street vendor to hear her gossip against another woman.
Knowledge local: 1d20 ⇒ 12
As they get near the orphanage, she shakes her head. She's still optimistic, though. "I thought so. I have spent little time in Eastgate so far. This just isn't enough time to pick up good rumours. What have your contacts told you, Buck?"
Jidai Oyuki |
Jidai bows and thanks her fellow Silver Crusade faction member for the good work she is doing, and vows to assist in any way she can.
The cleric kindly asks others on the way what they might know of this Baltwin woman.
diplomacy: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
GM Evil |
The party splits up for a bit, and asks around about Auntie Baltwin and the orphanage. Once you all meet back up, you're able to share information, and find out the following:
Miltivis, who runs a nearby market, claims he’s served Auntie Baltwin for over 30 years, and while a good customer, she is quite demanding and often rude to the other customers. He says she’s kept his supplier of fine whiskeys in business for decades.
Gilga Baltwin’s neighbors Travost and Tirelle Anthos are frankly tired of the noises the children make and the retinue of cats—though they do appreciate the latter’s mousing skills. They admit to being happy when Auntie Baltwin sends the children “off into the town” during the day, as it gives them a few hours of peace and quiet before they return in the evening.
At the estate across the street, Master Trebb Bonto, a retired builder, says nothing but nice things of Lady Baltwin, as he calls her. He recounts tales of tea and games on the sitting porch, though if pressed, he lets slip that she often cheats at games and sometimes had some shady characters coming to whisper in her ear and palm her small bags of what might have been money before slinking away. “Otherwise a fine lady, indeed.” he quickly adds.
After learning everything you can, the only thing left is to visit the orphanage itself.
Nearly swarming with cats and children, this fine upper-class home appears to be clean and in good condition considering the number and ages of its inhabitants. Three young boys shoot marbles in the dirt near the side porch, and inside open front door, strewn toys and more cats lie about on the floors. A few children take care of chores, while coughs and sneezes softly erupt from the children’s dormitories upstairs.
You all stand at the edge of the yard, looking at the scene above.
Amba Okoah |
Amba is pleased that the others had more luck gathering information than she had. She looks pensive when trying to piece together the rumours. "The shady characters with their pouches... They might be giving donations in secret. That does not worry me so. However, Miss Baltwin's characters worries me. Rude, cheating? That does not fit with running an orphanage, to me. We will see..."
--
As they enter the house, Amba keeps her eyes and ears open. She squats next to the boys shooting marbles. "Hello, boys. We are looking for Miss Baltwin. Could you tell them there are visitors?"
-Posted with Wayfinder
Seleena |
Seleena kneels down, picks up a stay, marble and shoots it. marbles: 10 + 5 = 15
diplomacy, aid jidai: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
-Posted with Wayfinder
Huckleberry Buck |
Huckleberry'll watch his companions, "Kiddos, we're just lookin' ta talk, ain't lookin' ta start no trouble,"
Aid Diplomacy: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
GM Evil |
The two boys look up at Jidai and smile.
It's our day off, ma'am. Auntie Baltwin lets us play whatever we want when we aren't helping pay for our rooms. We like to play this game because we can sit. The docks sure do make our legs tired. At least Auntie Baltwin cooks good dinner and tells good stories. It makes the hard days unloading those crates worth it, you know?
Though the children don't call it that, you get strong feelings that these children are involved in forced child labor, but are too young and innocent to realize it.
Jidai Oyuki |
Jidai smiles at them kindly.
"You work hard," the cleric says. "That is a trait that will serve you your whole lives," she adds.
She takes some rations from her pack and hands them each part of them.
"Be careful to enjoy being young," she says.
Once she has finished speaking with them, she turns to her companions.
"It seems that this Auntie Baltwin is farming these children out for services. All may not be as it seems here," she adds as she strides to the door and knocks.
Amba Okoah |
Amba looks like she'd had something rotten to eat, and gives the others a meaningful look. Seeing how they seem better at making rapport with the children, she straightens and stands along one of the walls. "That explains the nice house," she mutters under her breath.
Despite her earlier intention to leave the talking to the others, she can't help herself. "Tell me," she says to the boys, trying her best to sound friendly, "how often do you have to go to the docks? And how long?"
She keeps a close look at the door, hoping to make more sense of the situation, especially should Auntie Baltwin arrive.
Diplomacy: 1d20 ⇒ 15
Sense motive, Take 10: 10 + 7 = 17
Kaeldra Starfell |
Kaeldra's blood boils as she hears the boys' innocent description of their duties.
What a fiend! Using children like this for her own personal and selfish gain
She manages to bit her tongue and keep her face as neutral as possible for the children's sake. Kaeldra has seen the darker side of humanity many times before, but it never gets any less appalling. Especially when children are involved, much less orphans.
Kaeldra whispers quietly to her companions so the boys don't over hear, "This woman's true colors didn't take long to reveal themselves, that's for sure. However, just because she's despicable doesn't mean there isn't a child in need of the remedy. We should keep digging."
Seleena |
Seleena stands. "I think this woman may be outside the law." She follows Jidai to the door.
-Posted with Wayfinder
Huckleberry Buck |
Standing up, "Well kids, stay right ther, we gotta some business with yer Auntie Baldwin," Walking up to the front door, he'll try if its unlocked and if so, walk right in side.
"Auntie Baldwin, where are ya? Ya got some 'splainin' ta do,"
GM Evil |
Almost as if Hucklberry summoned her, Auntie Baltwin shows up in the hall. A grizzled old hag, she gently shoos the children off.
You two, you didn't say we had guests! No matter, go and play. Auntie has a nice meatloaf getting ready for dinner, and I made a surprise dessert for everyone as well!
The children cheer at the mention of dessert, and excitedly run off outside to tell the others. They can be heard discussing the possibilities between themselves as they dart out the door.
I hope it's apple pie again... No, blackberry jam on toast... No way, it's definitely that chocolate cake, like she made for Matthias' birthday... Or it could be raspberry pudding...
After they're gone, Auntie Batlwin introduces herself, and gives you all a discerning eye.
So, you must be the agents from the Society. Pleased to meet you. Please, come with me to my office.
Her office is a simple affair, with barely enough room for all of you to fit, and most of you have to stand. Once everyone is in, she sits behind her desk and speaks.
So, what matter of business shall we attend to?
Amba Okoah |
Recognizing that some of her companions seemed quite eager to dispense justice on the woman, Amba tries to take initiative of the situation. "We bring supplies from the Temple of the Shining Star. You had requested those for the orphanage? However, we worry about the situation here. You actually send the children to work? At their young age?" She folds her arms, curious what the woman will have to say in her defense.