GM Feral's Eyes of the Ten II (Inactive)

Game Master Feral

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Is everyone ready, dot?

Ready!

Nope, still working through this other scenario.

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After years of adventuring and exploring for the Society, you have all reached a level of expertise that is rarely accomplished in the life of a Field Agent. Researching notes, training, compiling reports for the Chronicles, or some other mundane task, everyone is contemplating their next mission when you receive a missive.

This crisp note, delivered personally to each of you by courier, bears the official rune of the Decemvirate, the anonymous, masked ruling order of the Pathfinder Society. The Ten have rarely taken notice of your efforts to date, but their reliance upon you is a sign of your growing influence in the organization. The orders command you and a team of hand-chosen fellow Pathfinders to escort the famous longsword Pale Maiden, blade of the legendary early Pathfinder Durvin Gest, to the newly reestablished Pathfinder Lodge in the city of Woodsedge, in Revolution wracked Galt. The Decemvirate wishes to entrust the sword to the Lady of the Lodge, Venture-Captain Eliza Petulengro. You are to escort the Pale Maiden from Absalom to Galt and ensure that the weapon arrives safely.

Opening post!

I know Faldoc needs a little time to level up and make purchases, so we will be starting out slow.

"Seems a rather mundane mission for agents of our caliber." Atum grumbles during the simple delivery mission. "Of course, Galt is a bloody mess. Nothing we can't handle though, I am sure."

The imposing Garundi, who wears shining gold armor with the red scarab beetle of Osirion inscribed into the chest, bows his head slightly. "Atum Nakhti, servant of the Ruby Prince and blessed by the Sphinxes, a member of the sacred order of the Living Monoliths. I live to serve the great state of Osirion and its rulers."

Seems every place I go is a mess. Might be nice to have a simple mission as a change of pace. Faldoc nods to everyone as a sign of acknowledgement after he says his peace.

"Ha. Speak for yourself "servant" of the Ruby Prince, Zandu can well use a simple task says a man dressed in loose fitting desert attire that covers most of his body. retrieving a coin from his robe and nimbly twirling it between his fingers before continuing "but how rude of us not to introduce ourselves Zandu Rool is the name. While Zandu does not have the fancy titles that you have but Zandu is ok to not be shackled by them." finishing his talk he quickly pockets the coin.

"Greetings all! Haven't met most of ya, though me and Atum go way back. One time, there was this bathhouse in Rahadoum.... Epic times." Karu says jovially. He claps the "imposing" man on the shoulder as he extends his hand to each person.

"I run the Bold Striders mercenary group out the Verduran Forest, near Belhaim. Mostly attracted dragonslayers and the like, but we've set up a nice training ground for new Pathfinders and anyone looking to get away from the hustle of Absalom." Karu explains.

"Ah, excuse me. Name's Karu." Karu remembers suddenly.

"Ah, Rahadoum! My homeland! Yes, that was quite an experience in that bathhouse. Perhaps Eliza Petulengro will have a sauna at her Lodge. I haven't put my unarmed expertise to use in quite some time."

Lol. That adventure was ridiculous.

One of the attendees is a well-dressed, clean elf with blond hair and timeless blue eyes. By his looks, you can tell that he likes everything to be neat and spotless, just like his enamelled mithral breastplate bearing the open palm of Irori. His gestures are precise and never made in vain. Yet one thing contrasts with the elf's shiny appearance: his hands, up to the elbows, are severely burnt, to the point that it'll probably never heal. Those burn marks are in the open, a reminder of the vicissitudes of his past.

Addressing his companions, the elf displays a no-nonsense attitude, even adding a touch of humilty as he bows to the other attendees. He's obviously an experienced socialite, adapting to his environment rapidly. "I am Kynrac Chronarion, librarian of the Scrolls and former apprentice of Master Shaine. Well met."

"Ah, the legendary Pale Maiden! It is no small task that we have been requested for. This is a true treasure of the Society, one of heavy significance, I expect."

A ragged dwarf with a crooked nose and long vertical scar on his left eye greets each of you. His auburn Mohawk is caked in dirt and dry blood and anyone within 10 feet can smell his unpleasant body odor. His movements are blurred as if you drank too many pints of ale.

"Glad da see ya Faldoc. Yer aim kept me from a few scratches when fightin demons in Cayden's Hall."

A proud and magnificent eagle swoops through the entrance and perches on the druid. The bird pecks at insects making a temporary home in the dwarf's beard. A claw-like hand reach inside a pouch and produces dried fruit and seeds.

"Eat up boy. I know yer hungry. Dis eagle's is Mousebane, and I be Adaxis. Escortin a famous sword dru troubled lands is one o' my specialties."

I need to do a quick review of my character sheet, but I'm ready to roll. I'll post my purchases in discussion.

Sorry for the delay.

Accepting the mission, the party collects the Pale Maiden, and boards a ship for Galt......

Despite the worries of the Decemvirate, your voyage across the Inner Sea and up the Sellen River to the Galtan town of Woodsedge sees few dangers, and you reach your destination without ever having to draw your weapons. The whole nation of Galt remains in the thrall of a bloody revolution, and while signs of desperation, poverty, and even violence abound, none of it has prevented you from your mission. The Pale Maiden remains safe, and you have successfully completed your first direct task for the secretive inner circle of the Pathfinder Society. Sooner than you had expected, you find yourselves standing on the outer stair of the Woodsedge Lodge. Situated on immense grounds just outside the town proper, the luxurious manor house is marred by cracked plaster, missing windows, and rotting shingles, but a well-groomed topiary hints at a building coming back from a near-death encounter with Revolution and abandonment.

As you stand outside, brushing off the trail dust and grime, making yourselves presentable, the huge doors of the Woodsedge Lodge open with a slow creak. A tall, bulky figure takes form in the gloom within, emerging into the sunlight with a gap-toothed smile and a bushy blond beard. It’s your old venture-captain from Absalom, Adril Hestram!

The huge man chuckles with a belly laugh at the sight of you. “I was wondering who they would send! The Ten choose wisely, of course! You did receive your orders to come here from the Decemvirate themselves, didn’t you? The servants are clucking that you bear the Pale Maiden. Is it true? May I wield the blade?”

somewhat surprised to see Hestram in far away Galt Zandu lets out a hearty laugh "And here I thought our task was a secret one with how unusually quiet our adventure has been." pausing to examine the "lodge" "so they were not joking when they said newly reestablished."

so who is actually holding the sword or did we leave it back in the grand lodge :P

Stumbled presents the sword to Adril. "Indeed, it seems this place is in need of repairs. And I was also under the impression that our task was secret but it seems that was a faulty assumption."

Faldoc, always the suspicious one, wonders if their old VC doesn't have other motives for greeting them in this fashion and asking about the blade so openly.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Faulty indeed... much like this place.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Kynrac addresses a faint smile to the Venture-Captain. "Adril Hestram, I should have known. Do you remember that you were the one who assigned me my very first mission? And here we are, after all this time."

"Haha! Well met, Venture-Captain. I'm not sure if you remember me, but you were the one who commissioned my voyage to Geb's Rest a few years ago." Karu remembers fondly.

Karu pulls the Pale Maiden from its sheath at his side, the blade gleaming in the light. "You asked for us to retrieve Rijana's journals and you would have been quite upset if we had let others, even Captains such as Amenophaeus, receive them before you. Surely, you can understand why I will keep hold of the blade until it is delivered to Venture Captain Petulengro." Karu states plainly. "Surely, there is no harm in letting you look at it while I hold the blade, of course."

"I mean no disrespect but askin' to hold another man's steel is too forthcoming for my taste. It's a beauty for sure, but we been charged with its protection."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 5 + 4 = 28

Adril shrugs, seeming genuine to all. "Well, secret to all, but some of the higher up Pathfinders!" He says with a wink, slapping Kynrac on the back "Of course I remeber!" As he admires the sword, he sighs. “They won’t say why we’ve all been called here,” Adril says, “but it’s obvious the Pale Maiden is just a cover story. I’ve been… studying up on the Ten. I think I’m about to be promoted into their ranks. It was only a matter of time. My guess is that you’re here to represent my efforts as a venture-captain. I’ve no doubt you’ll make a very convincing argument for my promotion." He winks again, smiling a big gap-toothed grin.

“Things will change between us if this happens. You’ve always been honest, dependable agents for me, so I’m telling you while I still can. After it happens, we will all be sworn to utter secrecy, for the identities of the Ten are the most treasured secrets of the Pathfinder Society. For now, though, I want you to know that I trust you implicitly, and I hope that you trust me. Once I have been made one of the Ten, even if we can no longer discuss it openly, I want you to know that I will always do what is right by you.” Rubbing his hands together, he motions behind him. "Shall we go inside?"

Without waiting for a response, Adril Hestram leads you inside the Woodsedge Lodge. The filigreed front doors open into a spacious great room with an enormous fireplace against the opposite wall. Elegant upholstered chairs and couches scattered about the chamber present an inviting, luxurious atmosphere, as if the whole place had been designed for fashionable lounging. A sweeping stair beside the fireplace leads to the balconies of the mansion’s second floor, which look down upon the room as if it were a stage. A scuffed and oddly stained red carpet runs down the center of the stair, showing that work yet remains to restore the Woodsedge Lodge to its former glory. Some elements, like the threadbare stuffed owlbear in one corner, hint more at the past than the future, but things are coming along.

Adril leads on to the west, through a fine wooden door and into a woodpaneled corridor rich with the smell of fresh onions and simmering meat stew. The passage continues several feet to the north, with doors leading to chambers beyond. Adril bounds through the southernmost doors across the hall, leading you into a richly appointed meeting room where two figures are seated at a huge oak table near several empty chairs obviously intended for you. Adril points to a male human garbed in crude leathers wearing a necklace of bird skulls.

“This here is Osprey,” he says. “Honorable fellow, a friend to all and a Society man, tall and true. His keen eyes see much among the Pathfinders that others miss, and his counsel is unparalleled in our order.”

Adril turns to the gorgeous red-haired woman sitting at the head of the table, her pale face a marble bust of confidence and control.
“And this,” he says, his cheeks taking on a touch of red and his mouth curving into a lecherous grin, “is Venture-Captain
Eliza Petulengro, the Lady of the Lodge.”

"Osprey" Zandu hisses and gives quick menacing glare towards the man before turning towards the red haired woman and giving a quick but courteous bow "it is a pleasure to meet such a prestigious pathfinder" he says he sour tone assumed with osprey evaporating as he addresses the woman "a Lodge in Galt a rather ambitious endeavor please could you give us a history of this lodge I am sure that it is quite the tale" the Kelish man say with a smile appearing under his garb.

"Greetings... Osprey?" Karu says, confused if this is a code-name or his chosen moniker. He extends his hand and shakes profusely.

After meeting the wildman, Karu turns to Ms. Petulengro and bows. "And greetings to you as well. Thank you for inviting us to your Lodge for this honor." Karu says with a wink.

A little beeping sounds emanates from his pack as Karu's stomach gives a slight roar. "Ah, time for a small snack and a quick set of push-ups. Following this chap's advice on hourly calisthenics and calorie intake. He gave me this headband and it all seemed to make sense. I think he's out handling some business in Osirion." Karu says to no one in particular as he bites into some smoked sausages from his pack and then drops down for 30 push-ups, clad in all his armor, shield and nodachi strapped to his back and the Pale Maiden at his waist.

Atum nods his head to Venture-Captain Eliza and Osprey. "Greetings from the court of the Ruby Prince. I am Atum Nakhti the Constant, an honored member of the order of the Living Monoliths. It is a pleasure to meet you. We are, of course, curious as to the true purpose of our mission here. Surely the delivery of the sword was not the sole reason for our invitation?"

Kynrac bows formally in front of the seeker and the local Venture-Captain. "It is an honor to meet such a reknown Pathfinder. Master Shaine's scrolls tell of your reputation, yet I never had the chance of meeting you in person. One of the perks of being in the field, maybe. Regardless, I am curious as for why we were sent here. As Atum says there's surely more to it than a famed blade to be delivered. What can we do for you?"

Adaxis follows his nose and returns with two wooden bowls of onions and meat stew. He sits crosslegged on the ground next to Mousebane. Spoons were unnecessary as both of their heads are buried in the stew.

"Deeeeeelicious! Da trip is already worth it, but I'd like to know dat answer too."

Faldoc simply sits quietly, waiting to hear about the real reason he and the others have been summoned.

Eliza moves up and greets the party warmly. "Welcome to my home, Woodsedge. I assume you have the Pale Maiden, and met with no trouble? It is my pleasure the Decemvirate would take notice of my efforts to restore the Lodge to its former glory. I know Adril from way back, but I don't recall I have met any of you before. Please, tell me a bit about yourselves."

Zandu takes a few moments to contemplate tapping his finger against the thin white cloth covering his face Hmmm where to start in the epic of Zandu K. Rool
not too sure if she wants character background or some scenario background so have both under spoilers

Atum rattles off his life history in monotone staccato, as if reciting a memorized passage. His training as a soldier is readily apparent in his retelling.

"I grew in the godless land of Rahadoum. While I still respect the Laws of Man, I sought to explore the ancient wonders of Osirion after learning of the land in my history class as a child. When I was of age, I attempted the journey across the desert on foot, alone. A dangerous venture."

"Along the way, I was accosted by a sphinx. Alone and with no where to run, and unwilling to fight such a majestic creature, I agreed to play its riddle game. The first riddle stumped me but I refused to admit defeat. I stood before the sphinx until the sun set trying to think of an answer. When none came, I continued to stand before it, patiently working in my mind the correct answer."

"After three days I feinted from exhaustion, hunger, and heat stroke. While I never answered the riddle, and still to this day do not know its answer, the sphinx was impressed with my perseverance. Perhaps there is no answer. Nonetheless, it invited me to join their sacred order of the Living Monoliths."

"From there, I eventually crossed the rest of the desert and sought employment in the army of the Ruby Prince, where I quickly rose to one of the Pharoah's favored, serving as a palace guard. He then decided to send me along as an ambassador and representative of Osirion to serve in the Pathfinder Society."

"Since then I have ventured on many missions; I was even appointed an honorary position in the Nirmathi military for the retaking of the Borderland Keep between their lands and Molthune. I have combed the sands of Osirion and returned to my homeland of Rahadoum, rooting out a plot to recruit the Riftwardens in the war of the Worldwound. I have traveled to the north and all about Golarion. My days with the Pathfinder Society will forever be treasured."

Faldoc tries his best to recount his story, trying to figure out what is relevant and what isn't. He mostly talks about his career as a Pathfinder, the near-death experiences and the like. He says away from mentioning anything about his personal life.

"Who am I?" The elf ponders that question for a while before giving an answer. His eyes seem lost in time as he recollects the major events of his life.

"I am Kynrac Chronarion, son and heir to a long line of lorekeepers who strived near Tanglebriar, in southern Kyonin. I was brought up to be a guardian of the memories of ages past and secrets lost to my people. My father used to think I was promising, but the truth is that he didn't want to see me as I was - bright but brash and reckless. Most of all - dominated by my own curiosity. Ultimately, it was my curiosty that had him killed at the claws of the horrendous Fihralaz, a hezrou demon. It was my fault that my people was deprived of one of their greatest living memories. I chose exile, and my steps led me to Absalom, where I met Master Kreighton Shaine. He showed me a path that wouldn't bring me redemption, but a measure of peace of mind. That chance meeting changed everything about me. Who I was, and what I've become."

"From my early days in the Society, I've endeavored to redeem myself and fight against my destructive flaw. It was hard, but I like to think that I've managed to lighten my burden among my peers. I have done many missions for the Society, mainly as a loremaster and diplomat. I was sent to strengthen the relationship with the Blakros family on numerous occasions, even attending Michellia Blakros's wedding with Damian Kastner, then cleansing the Ostergarde manor of its rampant demons. This led me to face Tancred Desimire on many occasions, and ultimately I was part of the band of Pathfinders who killed him. I explored the Sky Citadel of Jormurdun, traveled many times in the Hao Jin Tapestry, and could even take part in a mission in Tanglebriar where I was able to defeat my father's murderer, Fihralaz. After many years, I've earned my place among the seekers, and I'm proud of what I've achieved."

The dwarf hastily and very loudly slurps down his stew during introductions making his companions monologues more difficult than necessary. Charisma dump stat

"Adaxis Copperclaw at yer service. I grew up under a big rock, but once I saw da beautiful sky dare was no lookin' back. I enlisted as a young'n wid Grand Lodge Pathfinders. Dey seemed like nice 'nuff folk even dough Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin loves givin' me latrine duty. Accordin' to him, me chronicles miss important details like why we killed 'em before talkin' first. I'm just a bird lovin' dwarf travelin' da world and redistributin' treasure to rightful owners like dis sword here. Da pay ain't bad eider."

Karu stands up and cleans his hand with some water and a towel from his pack, removing the slight grease from the smoked sausages.

"I am Karu of the Bold Striders, Venture-Captain Petulengro. I was a normal guard for a caravan that became stranded in Belhaim out in the Verduran Forest when catastrophe struck the small town. The return of the feared dragon Aeteperaxx meant the small hamlet would be devastated. Myself and three others founded the dragon-hunting group, the Bold Striders, as we seemed to be the only defense. Sadly, those three have moved on to bigger and better things, while I have turned to Irori and dedicated an abandoned monastery to training all new recruits." Karu explains.

"Hopefully, you will see their prowess one day." Karu states with a deep bow.

Eliza listens intently to each story then nods as the last is told. “You have my most sincere thanks for safely delivering the Pale Maiden to me,” Eliza says with a proud smile. “One of my servants will bring it to the lodge’s armory, where it will be kept safe to honor the responsibility granted to me by the Decemvirate.”

As she speaks, several human servants wearing elaborate dresses and fashionable suits bustle in and out of the kitchen through the north doors, delivering delicate flutes of bubbling wine, plates of fresh fruits, and platters of manicured fingerfoods. Each of the servants wears a featureless white porcelain mask, obscuring his or her face completely. Each servant also wears a thin red ribbon around the neck. Eliza catches one of you looking at the ribbon, and her face takes on a serious cast. “The ribbons represent the guillotine. The Final Blades that sing the song of Revolution and cut the heads from patriots. Each of my servants has lost a beloved one to the Mob. They wear the masks for their own protection. They are safe here in the Lodge. I know their identities, but it is critical that the rabble and the Mob do not identify them as servants of the Society. We are still not fully trusted here, after all, and although the people will not strike out against me, they may very well snatch one of my servants on their return home from a day’s work. I’m sure you understand." She says, with a slight sigh.

“My homeland of Galt has lost much in this endless Revolution, and even the streets are dangerous. You are lucky to have arrived here safely, but I am sure you could have handled yourselves had you run into trouble." She says then glances at Adril before continuing. “Of course,” Eliza says, “I’m sure you’ve figured out by now that delivering the Pale Maiden was merely a pretext to get you to the Woodsedge Lodge. You are here for something far more important than a courier mission. For tonight, the Lodge will be host to a Talespinning, one of the most important ceremonies known to the Pathfinder Society. And the guest of honor is Adril Hestram!” She smiles then says. "Osprey will reveal the details of the ceremony when we all reconvene in the Great Room in about an hour. In the meantime, my servants will show you to your rooms, where you are welcome to spend the evening before starting your journey back to Absalom tomorrow."

You are then are shown to three well-appointed rooms, each with a large bed and austere wallpaper featuring a flower motif. Since there are more than three members of the party, some are clearly expected to “double up.” As the you settle into their rooms, you spy Adril Hestram returning to his own (significantly nicer and more roomy) chamber.

You are free to rest, or explore the lodge while you freshen up and await the ceremony. I'll have a map up later this evening.

"Faldoc, wud ya mind bunkin' togedder? I'll better get washed up. It's been too long."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 4 = 13

Adaxis leaves his gear and eagle companion in the appointed room and searches the lodge for a hot bath to relax and wash before their journey home.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Yeah, sure, as long as you do a good job with that washing up.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15

"Atum, would you share a room with me? I'd like to hear your stories about sphinxes, for I have never met one before."

Kynrac will use this time to rest and meditate.

Karu is puzzled by the glance between Miss Petulengro and Osprey but thinks of it no further. It seems like the rest of the party has teamed up, so Karu gladly takes the room with Mr. Rool. "Morning calisthenics, Mr. Rool? I'll set my Alarm for daybreak and we can get a light ten kilometer run in before breakfast."

After getting settled, Karu explores some of the other rooms around theirs, hoping for a meat tray or possibly a stray piece of fruit.

I can't access the second floor.

I can't access the second floor.

Fixed!

sorry for the delay, Monday and Thursdays are usually pfs days at the local store

Thinking nothing of the non verbal conversation happening between their hosts Zandu breathes a sigh of relief as the smelly dwarf bunks with the individual who has yet to introduce himself personally.

Giving Karu a curious glance as he suggests running at an early hour"no no sorry Karu of the illustrious Bold Strider Dragon Hunting Corp I am afraid I will be making sure that I am ready to leave as soon as possible. As the saying goes time is gold and gold is power."

pausing for a moment contemplating his next words he does sigh and say
"but I will be more than happy to join you for breakfast of course I would like to paruse this new lodge and try to read up on its history or at least talk to the mistress regarding such'

is their a library or is the venture captain willing to tell us the history of the lodge?

"Interesting theory, Rool, but power is power." the man says as he flexes his copious muscles.

Perform(Gunshow): 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (9) + 21 = 30

"Gold can't buy you these..." Karu grits through his teeth as he puts his hands behind his back and pushes down, flexing his traps, delts and back.

"Your workout regiment seems to be progressing nicely since the last time we've seen each other, Karu. Taking a steam tonight?"

"Of course! Haven't had a good one since our time in your home country. Rahadoum has the best baths in Golarion. Good to soak the muscles and prevent cramps." Karu beams at the tall Garundi.