GM Kyshkumen's PFS 3-19: The Icebound Outpost (Inactive)

Game Master Kyshkumen

A five-by-seven-foot tapestry hangs on the wall, surrounded by a series of platforms and ladders to allow a close view of any spot upon it. The room is otherwise empty, save for the Pathfinder Society’s Master of Spells, Aram Zey, who paces impatiently before the Hao Jin Tapestry, glancing up as the door creaks open. “Thank you for your quick arrival, Pathfinders,” Zey says curtly, speaking without making eye contact, as though his mind is moving faster than his mouth. As he continues his focused pacing, he gestures toward the tapestry. “As I’m sure you know, we recently came into possession of this wonder behind me—the Hao Jin Tapestry—by winning the Ruby Phoenix Tournament in distant Goka. Within this piece of fabric lies an entire world in which one of Golarion’s greatest magicians placed treasures and mysteries beyond imagining. And it was supposed to be ours alone. This promise of exclusive access was made a lie, however, when the Aspis Consortium found a way into Hao Jin’s astral vault that bypassed the tapestry altogether, and Aspis agents are now busy stealing whatever they can move, hoping we will act too slowly to protect our winnings. Fortunately, a recent mission into the tapestry managed to uncover a clue about a possible Aspis base within the tapestry. That is your destination. “The camp, interestingly, is within a great stone temple complex uprooted from the Vudran jungle many centuries ago by the sorceress herself. Since her disappearance, that part of the tapestry has been encased in a massive glacier. This temple—dedicated to a Vudran monkey-god, we believe—could prove enlightening on its own, notwithstanding the Aspis presence there. It’s a grim thought imagining what the Consortium has done to the place, but apparently more than three-quarters of it is still protected by the glacier, so we can still salvage a great deal. “Vanaras—the simian humanoids responsible for constructing this temple—are great builders, and this temple is representative of the huge complexes that once graced the Vimada Forest
before their wars with men and the rise of Khiben-Sald. It’s a representation of the cosmos, really, a series of nested squares with symbolic shrine-mountains all directed toward great Bahmenu, the mountain birthplace of the god Ragdya and, the vanaras believe, the center of the universe. This symmetry may serve you well, since it will help you predict the layout and functions of the temple as you make your way around it. Every corner of the temple will be fitted with a small shrine, all facing the symbolic mountain.” “Even an abandoned temple is a holy place to the vanaras, as it is to most of us Vudrani as well, and we hope you respect that fact. If you can save the sanctuary from the insolence of the gods-damned Aspis, it may draw the mirthful and enlightened eye of Ragdya himself upon our Society.” Aram Zey looks quickly at each of the party members for any questions.

After intensly listening to the Master of Spells the newly arrived young armor clad man states, "Good day Aram Zey. I am Avarus. It is good to see you this day but did I misunderstand you? Did you say we are to travel to some far away land via a tapestry? A tapestry... to a frozen land? You must be kidding, right. Varus laughs loudly and looks around the room for others to join him.

Skaarr is a towering half-orc with a well muscled physique. He wears only an armored kilt, hobnailed boots, his fetish mask and his gear. His lack of clothing leaves most of his rippling grey-green flesh exposed. Much of his torso and arms are covered in small scars depicting geometric patterns. A huge longaxe is strapped to his back.

"Uhhhh....Skaarr no follow. What you want we do?" Skaarr asks, staring dumbly at the Master of Spells and the huge tapestry.

"It appears not, Avarus. It seems as if whole expeditions have been 'into the tapestry'. It's an amazing possibility. And you say there's a Vundran temple inside encased in ice that the Aspis are using as a base of operations? Fascinating. I would love a chance to study this. It would make a unique addition to my book."

A half-elf leans against the wall. He pushes off and comes to the center of the room to peer at the tapestry. He looks at the others, suddenly noticing them watching him. "Ah, forgive me. I am Professor Dario Westone. Formerly of Egorion, but now more of a free-lance researcher."

"Do we know why the Aspis chose this place as their base? And what else do we know of the 'other side' of this tapestry?"

"You want we kill Ass-piss?" the half orc says to Master Zey, scratching his chin. "Sound messy to Skaarr."

He turns and nods to the Professor. "Am Skaarr," he says simply.

Skarr, see the discussion thread. You might need a new char

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Turning toward the tapestry Avarus watches and abrubtly speaks, "Well then Professor... Aram... tell me more. Everyday I learn more about this strange world south of my homeland beyond the Tusk Mountains." Avarus begins to walk toward the tapestry to get a closer look speaking as he approaches"If indeed we are to invade the sanctuary ridding it of the Ass-piss through some magic in this tapestry we must prepare. What provisions can you provide to ensure our success and when is the rest of our invasion force arriving?"

Aram Zey covers his face with his palm as the half orcs start talking, but perks up a little when Dario chimes in. "Unfortunately we do not know any specifics as to why they picked this site. The only intel we have is that they were attempting to establish a base of operations in a glacier. Out analysis of the patterns and shapes on the tapestry indicates that this is where they must be doing so, but until you go and investigate, we won't know much more about their resources or any other Consortium threats to our operations within the tapestry." He looks over at Avarus and sighs, "I really do not have the time to explain these things in detail as I have many other groups to send through the tapestry today. We are pretty tapped on resources for this same reason. Given that you are from the Tusk mountains I'm sure you know how to properly prepare for an expedition to a glacier."

Aram Zey is a bit of a jerk so just trying to play out that part of his personality.

A pretty Aasimar woman runs in, interrupting Aram's monologue. "Ow is this the right place? Shucks I went to 5 different locations, I guess I had my map upside down or something.

So what are we doing?"
She asks innocently, oblivious to the increasingly red colored face of Aram..

Retcon for new Skaarr

Skaarr is a tall, lean half-orc. He has short bushy black hair and a full beard. There's a scar running down his right cheek, and he wears a golden nose ring and tusk cap. His clothing is that of a middle class scholar-adventurer - an undyed knee-length linen tunic belted at the waist, covered in a embroidered green vest and deerskin waistcoat. He also wears breeches, and sturdy, leather, calf-high boots. He's further outfitted with a backpack, and a large long-axe whose handle juts above his right shoulder. There's a spell component pouch at his belt, and next to it a second pouch from inside which peeks a small tortoise.

When introduced to the other Pathfinders he bows curtly. "I am Skaarr. Master Zey, if I understand you correctly we are to seek out the Aspis camp, and find out what they are doing. I assume we are also to eliminate them and return any artifacts they've stolen?"

I can do Endure Elements from scrolls for everyone if you guys want to buy some. They're 25 GP a pop, and will probably come in handy if we're heading to a glacier. I'm going to buy a couple if we have time before we go.

"Well it appears we have our mission. Elimination of the Aspis within the temple. Looks around at the group and then back to Aram, "and a few bodies to get this task completed. Aram, although you can not provide additional resources is there anything specific about these Aspis that you can tell us or anyone onsite that can advise us to the tendencies or weaknesses of these people? Lastly, are is there merchants available to purchase the last few items we may need for our attack?

Avarus walks over to Skarr and raises his arm to Skarr's shoulder, Skarr, you might actually be my friend on this tapestry trip. The rest of you will ..... whatever

Dario looks at the two half-orcs bonding and raises an eyebrow. He glances over to the divinely stunning Xerance. "Pair me with the gorgeous woman? Sure, I'll take that." He smirks and bows to the Paladin.

"Professor Westone, my lady. And it appears we are about to take a trip into some other world. Care to join us?"

Endure Elements sounds smart, but Dario only has 23gp right now.

Xerance clearly loves being wooed. She takes Dario's hand and giggles a little. "Why thank you kind sir. My name is Xerance and I would love to join on this adventure."

Xerance can get a scroll of endure elements for herself

I can afford a Cold Weather Outfit though.

If given the opportunity to carry my horse companion I will use my horse to carry supplies for the group. I will purchase 10 endure element scrolls, 4 sets of snowshoes, and 3 sets of cold weather outfits as I already have a cold weather outfit. If not allowed I will only purchase the 5 scrolls & 1 set of snowshoes.

"I believe that is basically what I was saying Skaar, and I have no answer for your question Avarus as Apsis groups tend to be very just like you lot." He waves a hand at the group with that last statement. "Now if you need some supplies you are welcome to gather what you need before I show you through the tapestry.

Avarus you are able to purchase additional equipment but you would still have possession at the end of the scenario. As far as carrying your mount could you be more specific as to what you mean by that. Are you asking if it can go through the portal or are you referring to some magical means of carrying.

Skaarr raises his eyebrow at Avarus. "Perhaps in time cousin...We've only just met." When the master of spells replies to him, Skaarr simply nods. "I will return shortly. I need to make my way across the Foreign Quarter to buy some scrolls of Endure Elements, in case we end up in a cold environment for a long time. If the rest of you purchase similar scrolls, I will gladly cast them on you."

Going to buy three scrolls of endure elements, then head back.

Suddenly from a deep cold voice is heard from behind, "I never would have imagined that my adventure would start from within a tapestry..."

As the others look back, they find Zanakor in the shadowy corner of the room. He steps out just enough so that light from the windows reach him, but barely. He's wearing a simple black & grey explorer's outfit with a hood hiding much of his face in shadows, a katana sheathed in a black scabbard hanging down his left side, and a bandolier around his front with hints of flasks containing red and green liquids. His backpack is left in the corner, but you can see a book with a rune on its hardcover hanging by the straps at the side.

Looking up a bit, Zanakor reveals eyes that glow slightly as he says, "My name is Zanakor, but you may call me Zan just in case you need to scream or shout quickly. I do not yet have the funds to buy myself winter clothes, but I shall endure until we reach the outpost all the same."

I will leave the mount behind in safety. Reduce gear carried and limit purchases to stay within a med to light load.

"The day is young my new found friends. I will meet you back here after a short trip for supplies.

"Since we are going to a very cold place I might get some clothes and equipment as well, what do you guys suggest? I wouldn't want to fall on the ice and hurt something or freeze to death during the nights."

"I you can afford 25 gold pieces, a scroll of Endure Elements will protect you for twenty four hours from the temperature. Cleats might also be useful for walking on ice."

"If someone is willing to lend me ten gold, I will repay them after our venture."

Otherwise Dario will buy a Cold Weather outfit and cleats. Cleats make more sense if we have to scale a glacier, but I do want to point out Ice Skates(!) are available too.

"Ok I will get those two items. Be right back!"
Xerance runs out the door. Only to come back 10 seconds later.
"Urm, where do I buy these things?" She asks innocently.

Aram Zey shakes his head before saying,"You can buy these things down in requisitions here in the lodge."

Ah I am back and ready for travel Avarus looks around what appears to be an empty room. He speaks aloud as he walks deeper into the hall, " HELLO! I guess time graces us. Pulling his greataxe from his back and holding it close to his lips he whispers, It has been too long since I last heard the whistle of your smooth cold blade. Soon my good friend you will bury yourself in the flesh of weak men and women, these so called Aspis. I know we will be without LiLee this time but we have the new ones; they will be our tribe. We will protect each other and prosper. Time to prepare.

Avarus begins counting and preparing for the trip as he waits.

Dario ventures down to the outfitter and buys a Cold Weather Outfit and some cleats.

Skaarr also returns after buying his scrolls. "I'm ready when the rest of the team is," he says to Avarus and Westone.

Sitting in the corner next to his backpack, Zanakor unpacks hit winter blanket and ties it up around himself as a makeshift cloak. Hearing Skaar, he looks up at him and nods, signalling that he's ready.

Xerance comes back, taking longer than expected, with a fashionable outfit and a pair of cleat under her shoes. Her walk is a little awkward as those cleats should not be worn unless you're out in the snow.

"Ready!" She proclaims.

Aram Zey gives the group a short nod before leading the group to the tapestry. "You'll need to touch this round shape here," he says while pointing to a section near the bottom right corner of the Tapestry. "Then you simply need to say the word '去' and it should put you in the tapestry near the temple. Report to me when you get back and good luck." Aram Zey starts walking away but stops and adds, "Since none of you thought to ask you'll notice a temporal rift behind you after you arrive. To get back just walk through it." He then walks away before any further questions can be asked.

"Good to know. I don't fancy a lifetime of living on a glacier. Especially if the Aspis return." Dario glances at the others. "Ready?" He reaches out for the tapestry.

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Zan gathers his belongings and walks up to stand next to The Prof., left hand on the grip of his sword and right hand twitching to touch the trigger and see if this tapestry does indeed perform magic as Aram says.

Xerance moves over to the orb and just before touching it she says.
"Here goes nothing!"
She pinches her nose with the other hand and holds her breath.

Without saying a word Avarus walks to the tapestry. Quickly looks at the others and touches the round shape while saying '去'

Skaarr follows the others, saying "去" after touching the circle.

Avarus and Skaarr both touch the tapestry and say the command word which appears to pull them into the tapestry. Professor Westone, Zanakor and Xerance follow just after. Touching the tapestry and saying the command word causes a bright flash of light and a feeling of weightlessness for a moment. Once your eyes regain focus the brownish-red stones of the colossal Temple of Ragdya stand before you. As promised a good portion is covered in a glacier. Sinuous nymphs, mighty tigers and trumpeting elephants-frozen in ruddy stone-encrust the temple's outer friezes. Packed snow and ice clad depictions of vanaras in jungle scenes, creating an odd dissonance between the climate illustrated in the carvings and the frigid conditions of the temple. The wind howls, and muted voices drift from within the temple. Even more eerily, a strange hooting and shrieking issues from the temple's cornices and spires, as if by some magical or artificial means the calls of thousands of monkeys echo the sound of the arctic storm. A wide doorway stands unobstructed, providing ingress to the columned courtyard within.

Zanakor stumbles to regain his balance as his feet touch the now cold ground. He releases his grip on his sword to touch his belly for a moment as he stands up.
So that's how magical travel feels like... It may take some time before I get used to it; I feel like I might vomit.

He looks up at their destination in awe, but tries to hide his expression within his hood (Feel free to try Perception checks to notice and comment :)).

He curiously observes the glacier and how it covers the temple.
Knowledge, Dungeoneering to identify danger (e.g. glacial parts that may collapse soon): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13

"This should be fun..." he says, almost to himself but just loud enough to be heard by Xerance.

Upon arrival Avarus closes his eyes trying to steady himself from the adverse effects of the tapestry travel. Focus and concentratation are his guide to his surroundings and the possible dangers of the unknown. His thoughts begin with the air. Reminds him of the Northern chill of his childhood home. He could remember feeling this way hiding from the Winter Storms but just like his childhood the warmth of thick fur surrounding his body helped him feel at ease.

Avarus opens his eyes and begins to survey the situation visually.
perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

Still holding her nose, Xerance mumbles: "Is it safe to breathe yet?"

She is shaking a bit from the weather, she is not used to such colds. Good thing she got that fancy outfit.

Dario hunches over to protect himself from the biting wind. The Half-elf quickly dons the thick furs which he bought only a few minutes ago. Pulling the hood on, he shouts into the wind. "Something's there, it sounds like. Should we go in?"

This is what I have so far.
Zanakor=Winter blanket
Dario=Winter clothes
Xerance=Winter clothes
Avarus=nothing

Gear & stat blocks updated for current adventure but cold weather gear was purchased long before this adventure. I thought I identified it; however, as always your call GM. Avarus is a bit forgetful at times. As secondary if needed I do have the endure element scrolls for sure

That was simply referring to what the character has stated about what they are wearing or put on for this weather. I put nothing for Avarus because Avarus has only contemplated wearing anything. I am doing this so that there is no miscommunication later as to your protective clothing/magic.

Zanakor pulls his makeshift cloak closer as he responds to the professor "Let's go on then, it should be warmer inside the temple."

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Skaarr reacts to the magical travel with a simple grimace, one hand briefly flitting to rest over his stomach. Feeling the chill, he draws one of the scrolls he purchased and reads from it, casting an endure elements spell on himself. Then he draws another scroll, and reads that one, casting mage armor on himself. A green, spectral-looking suit of plate armor flashes briefly into existence around him before disappearing.

Skaarr then takes a moment to appreciate the architecture. "Simply breathtaking...." he mutters. He pulls his axe from its back-sheathe and looks to the others. "Shall we?" he asks, indicating the wide doorway standing unobstructed, providing ingress to the columned courtyard within.

The witch's tortoise familiar recoils instinctively from the cold, and retreats into his belt-pouch home. Skaarr reaches down and gently fastens the pouch tightly closed, patting it reassuringly.

With chattering teeth Xerance says: "Ok, let's go in then. I do so hope it is warmer on the inside."

Not seeing anything dangerous in obvious sight Avarus pulls out the endure elements scroll, approaches Skaar and asks, "Would you mind?"

Handing the scroll to Skarr Avarus then readies his Axe.

With everyone taking precautions against the cold the group makes it's way into the temple. Four columns stand vigil in this open-air courtyard, a wide doorway opening in the center of each wall. To the east, a huge banyan lies fallen across the wide bridge that once permitted access to the great gates of the temple. To the north and south stretches a ten-foot-wide walkway running along the temple's exterior wall. A wide moat of black ice separates this walkway and the inner complex. To the south, a crude wooden ramp leads from the walkway to the ice's surface ten feet below. Two steep sone stairways lead up from the ice to doorways in symmetrical chambers flanking the main entrance on the other side of the moat.

Map

Go ahead and arrange your characters as you wish. Map is also linked up top for easy access.

Skaarr reads the scroll for Avarus. "Shall we explore the south wing first?" he asks, pointing towards the ramp.