GM Ladile's TL;DR: A Pathfinder Society Campaign

Game Master Lady Ladile

Zithembe takes a walnut from the offered bounty. "Thank you, Majordomo. That is generous of you."

After those who wish to partake of the magically-enhanced fruits and plants have done so, Pip beckons for everyone to continue following him as he leads you back out of the greenhouse and further along the hallway to the north. Hepsubia stealthily follows behind, at a distance, unseen by your little tour guide. The path continues for a few moments through several corridors and galleries before ending at a larger greenhouse. A wooden plaque outside reads Plants of Eastern Garund: Please proceed with caution, as some are poisonous.

Unlike the dead and warped growth in most of the Arboretum, the plants growing in this greenhouse seem to be relatively young and healthy. Several raised beds of earth host strange looking plants with long, sinuous vines, and a small, gently flowing fountain with a red lion statue at its center sits near the middle of the chamber. Against the wall stands a worktable and chair covered in gardening tools.

Next to the fountain stands an anthropomorphic plant creature, who shouts at you as you approach. "I knew it! I knew you Quantium gardeners would track me down! You'll never harvest me or my seeds! Stay back!"

"Oh, gee, I see the Master Gardener is in one of her moods again," Pip remarks as he edges back from the doorway. "But I never can seem to pacify her when she is so maybe you folks can give it a try instead so, um...good luck with that!"

With that, the little plant creature turns and beats feet back the way you came.
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Current Map

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (2) + 0 = 2
Knowledge (nature): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21

"She appears blighted," Zithembe says to Pip and the others. "Whatever taint the waters that flow into the Arboretum bring might be harming her."

Turning his attention to the ghoran, he implores her, "Peace, please. We are not from Nex nor do we wish to harvest you. We are simply here to retrieve a packet of papers left behind long ago by mortals. We wish you no harm."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18 +1 more if fey, elemental, undead, or outsider.

Kiango's eyes narrow briefly as Pip slips past them to apparent safety. Such disappointment. "Verdant creature, the passage of a moment is what we need. Like the little one, you could tell us of your plants?" he asks, hoping to entice her with the opportunity to speaking of a more pleasant topic than her current dwellings.
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Sense Motive, DC 12: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
Diplomacy (Aid Another): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27 lol, that's one hell of an aid XD

Though she still seems cautious, the ghoran - for that is surely what this creature is - visibly relaxes and grows much less agitated. "You...who are you? You're...really not here to return me and the other seedpods to Nex?" she asks. "I thought for sure that...well, never mind what I thought. I suppose if you really were from Quantium we wouldn't be having this talk right now."

As if truly 'seeing' all of you for the first time, she cocks her head slightly to one side. "A strange group, you are. You said you came here looking for something?"
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You just made the DC with Kiango's help - good job!

"Thank you for seeing the truth of the matter. We seek an old packet of papers--documents--our spirit companion should be able to locate it," Zithembe says. "However, you appear ill. The water here does not seem healthy for you. Is there any way we can help?"

Rubbing his arm where Pip took the blood sample, Theo seems very interested in Pip's tour of the Arboretum. "My... this place must have been truly grand in its heyday! And your experiments seem truly fascinating."

Once in the presence of the Master Gardner, his demeanor becomes more serious.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16

Theo whispers to Tupp, "Is it just me, or does she seem a little... off?"

Knowledge (arcana): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

He continues, "I supposed the years of isolation cooped up the the ruins of a greenhouse isn't so good for the mind." He taps his head knowingly. "We should be careful..."

Grishan cautiously floats forward so that the ghoran can see him better. "Yes, please...we're just here to find some papers and other notes that I did in that red lion statue years ago, when I was alive," he explains. "That's all we're here to do and then we'll leave and not bother you again, I promise."

"Yes, he's telling the truth - we don't mean you or your seedpods any harm," J chimes in earnestly. "May we please search the statue?"

The ghoran spends a brief moment considering the request and then nods. "I believe you. The strange rain that sometimes falls in this place...I think it's been having an effect on my mind," she admits. "Perhaps some sort of curative magics would help, but I don't have access to such things here and this was the safest place I could find to bury my companions' seedpods until they sprout. As soon as they do, I think we'll need to move on to somewhere else...but where, exactly, I don't know..."

"But enough about that. I'm not sure what importance your papers have to you, little ghost, but feel free to approach and claim them," she continues, finally smiling a little. "Maybe you will find peace that way."

Beckoning you all to enter into the room, she finally introduces herself properly. "Khaya is the name I've given myself. What are your names?"
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Feel free to make a Heal check on Khaya if you like.

"Kiango, from Nantambu," he says in introduction with a slight bow of the head. He then makes his way to the statue and hopefully Grishan's papers. "Too late to move seedpods? Bad rain, not good sign for growth."
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Heal: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
Perception?: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

"Oh! Then you've traveled as far as I have, or farther, then. You see, I smuggled myself here - as a seedpod - from Nex. Along with others of my kind...the other seedpods," Khaya explains. "It took me a little time to get settled in here but I was finally able to plant my companions' seedpods in the beds here just yesterday! It will take them several days to sprout, but once they do...well, we would like to keep growing more of our number here. Until we number enough to petition the government of this city to help in freeing the rest of my kind from Nex!"

As Khaya talks, Kiango also moves to the statue and gives it good, long look. There don't appear to be any obvious compartments or magical auras coming from it, but when the samsaran knocks his fist against it he and everyone else realize that the statue is hollow inside! It takes some effort but you're able to tip the statue over...revealing a small package wrapped in many layers of wax paper.

"My notes! That's it, we found them!" Grishan cheers. "But I can't really remember everything that I wrote back then. Let's open them up and see what they have to say, shall we?"

Unwrapping the parcel reveal several pages of notes, hurriedly written...

Excerpt #1

Excerpt #2

Excerpt #3

"Magic can heal the mind of this creature, should we wish to afford it," he whispers to the group as he hands them the notes. "What to think of these writings? To me it is the squabble of the over-wealthy."

"Assassinations of Pathfinders is more serious than a squabble," Zithembe says as he finishes reading the notes. "We should certainly take these notes to Grishan's brother. There may be dangers yet unrealized since these were written."

Kiango looks at Zithembe quizzically before taking a look at the notes again. "So it is, forgive me. I agree, we must share these notes," he says.
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Lol that's what I get for being too lazy to reread the notes and do it from memory!

Looking up from the notes, Sylvak turns his gaze to their charge's spirit friend. "Grishan, you don't remember anything you wrote?" he asks gently, "Or, any surprising discoveries you made in the days before the tragedy?"

"No, I'm afraid I don't," Grishan admits, looking a little embarrassed. "Some parts of my former life I can remember, others are hazy at best, and there are a few that I don't recall at all. Why? What did I write?"

J, looking a little pale, reluctantly holds up the third page for Grishan to read. The spirit stares down at the paper for a long, terrible moment.

"I...think it's time that we had a talk with my brother," Grishan finally manages, voice trembling with anger.

"Grishan, I...I'm sorry..." J murmurs, shaking her head sorrowfully. She turns and looks to the rest of you. "I hate to ask, but...could we...? I know your contract only stipulated accompanying me to the Precipice Quarter, but..."

"I will be with you both so long as you need me," Ylva says after staying quiet through most of the Arboretum.

"It will be no trouble," Zithembe answers Junia's unfinished question. "We should leave the Master to her work before things become clouded again."

"A dam only holds the river for so long," Kiango says in agreement and begins to make his way back out. "What of Pip?" he asks his companions.

With your errand in the Arboretum complete, there seems little else to do but return back the way you came. Khaya watches with some curiosity as you go, calling out, "Thank you for being so understanding, fleshy ones! Please, keep my presence and that of the seedpods a secret from others, would you?"
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As you return to the entrance, you find Pip eagerly pacing back and forth and bouncing slightly on his feet as he does. "...and then once they're gone I'll-" you catch him muttering, before the noise of your approach catches his attention and he looks up. His expression flickers oddly (for a plant) for just a moment but then he offers you a relieved smile.

"Oh! You were able to talk some sense into the Master Gardener then today? Well, how very fortunate! Sometimes even I can't manage it and then all that's left to do is head for cover until things blow over, heh heh!"

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20

Tupp, in a rare moment of understanding, frowns at the little plant man, "Hey... You wanted us to get into a fight, didn't you?" Hands on hips, the young halfling is about to scold Pip, but hesitates, and looks around at his companions instead, "I'm not paranoid am I? Anyone else get the feeling Pip wanted things to get out of hand when we met Khaya?"

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (18) + 0 = 18

"Yes, I suspect he wanted us to remove the gardener so that he would once more rule the roost, as they say," Zithembe says to Tupp. Turning his attention to Pip, he continues, "The waters draining into the arboretum have tainted the gardener's mind. If you could use your talents to purify the water or cleanse the soil where the gardener dwells, you would find your time here less harried."

Before taking our leave of Khaya...

When asked his name, Theodric responds, "I am Theodric DeSoldon, originally of Taldor. Unfortunately, I am not well-versed in either medicine or botany, and I don't think I'll be of much help in diagnosing your ailment. But we have friends who might be able to!"

He pauses, and then asks, "What do you mean when you say there are 'strange rains' in here?"

He then looks around. While the others are trying to topple the statue, he casts detect magic and looks for the possible source of magical indoor weather patterns.

"I see the thorns on the rose," Kiango says as he scowls at Pip. "I have not been so disappointed in many moons," he mutters distastefully and tosses the cherries he was given back at Pip's feet.

"As the young Absalomians say 'thanks but no thanks'," he says before storming out of the structure to wait for his friends outside.
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Sense Motive, Dc 16: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24 WE ARE ON TO YOU AND YOUR S$%* PIP!

Ylva, glad to be leaving this place without a fight, finds any happiness at the thought gone as she hears her companions confront Majordomo Pip.

"Do your powers work on his kind," she asks J as it looks like things will turn ugly after all.

hmm.. I wonder if these will breed true...

Sylvak smiles and shrugs as Kiango storms off. He reaches down and retreives the discarded cherry explaining, ”I’ll just carry this for him.” Then he plucks the other cherry from the tree and adds, ”and one for me, thanks.”

Slightly Earlier

As Theodric sweeps about for magical auras, he quickly realizes that there is an aura - coming from the cracked crystal dome that once covered the building.

Present

Pip sniffs indignantly and glowers at the group of you, but makes no hostile moves. "Hmph! I have been here for 17 years, striving to make it mine - and then she arrives and moves in as though she owns the place! I shouldn't have to listen to what she says, I was here first!"

"But I suppose my plight is of no concern to you tall folk, now that you've apparently gotten whatever it is out of this visit that you wanted. Fine, leave this place, I'm not foolish enough to try and stop you. Go! Shoo!" Pip continues, waving you away.

"Um...I don't know? I don't really do much; Grishan does most of the heavy lifting," J whispers back to Ylva, watching Pip warily. "But if things get ugly we'll do our best, okay?"

I suppose I'm back with the others? rolling the dice but waiting for your thumb up to post

Know Local: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15
Know Arcana: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

Sense Motive: 1d20 ⇒ 20

"The corrupted run-off is what is making the ghoran difficult to deal with," he informs the mandragora. "If you used your gifts to heal the damage it has done to her and worked together, you would be able to accomplish much more than being antagonistic."

Yes, everyone is together - except for Kiango who's already stormed outside in a huff :P

Pip seems to consider Karabo's suggestion for a moment...but then shakes his head. "Corrupted run-off? That's preposterous, I've been here for years and I feel perfectly fine!"

Zithembe sighs and comments before he departs, "As you wish."

Tupp, still with his hands on his hips, shakes his head in disappointment, "You know, I have half a mind not to come back tomorrow to help clear away the old vines and stuff..." Then as the others depart, the young Paladin slowly follows, but as he passes Pip, he adds, "You should learn to share, you know."

*BAWK!*

Sori agrees, poking her head out from the back of Tupp's pack as he walks away.

Belated Aid Another (Diplomacy): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19 +4 for Zithembe on success if you allow it.

As his companions file out, Sylvak holds up a hand as if about to say something, then simply sighs. ”Well, I guess we’re not clearing out these branches for you then,” he offers Pip somewhat apologetically, ”sorry. Best of luck with...all of... this...”

Pip is silent another moment and finally sighs, a long, drawn-out affair. "Well...since all of you have been such good sports in the grand scheme of things...I'll...consider it. Fair enough?" he calls out after you as you depart.

"I think that's about the best you're going to get from him," J whispers as she hurries along after you. "But even if he doesn't, hopefully Khaya's friends will, um...sprout?...soon and then they can leave and find somewhere better anyway!"
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Your tasks complete, except for one last, hopefully minor one, you all begin to make your way through the Precipice Quarter and back toward the more civilized areas of the city. J and Grishan follow you along; her with a nervous, but hopeful smile and him with a brooding, pensive frown. "Thank you again, everyone, for your help," J finally says, breaking the silence. "I know that Cassiel and the other spirits are finally at peace now and...um...I think that no matter what happens when we meet with Grishan's brother, he'll be able to rest easier as well with that task completed at last."

Grishan shrugs. "Maybe. I...I don't think I'll actually know until I get a chance to see what he has to say for himself. He is my brother, but-"

"Brother is here!" J cuts Grishan off and in a flash he whooshes back into J's mind.

A man in a uniform similar to Junia's, but with more medals and polish, emerges from a side alley at a brisk pace. "Finally, I found you. I heard around the lodge that a team of Pathfinders was headed in to the Tri-Towers Yard." Colson Maldris bows his head. "My brother was one of many children who died when the earthquake hit. As a result, I take great interest in expeditions leading in to that cursed site. The last Pathfinder expedition seven years ago found his body, and as a result, my family was able to give him a proper burial. Those agents also found some..." Colson pauses, and then continues delicately, "reports about my brother's after-school activities that would be quite embarrassing if made public. Did you, by chance, find any information about my brother?"

You know, it's really a nice place here. I mean, it was a really nice place. They put there heart at work with the Arboretum, and used powerful magics to control the temperature and moisture of the air. That cristal dome up above let the sun shine in too. They loved the plants, its obvious.

Kiango looks quizzically at Hepsubia before responding to Colson. "This is possible," he says neutrally, "What does that mean for Colson Maldris?"

Oh, you mean here and now? Sorry, my mind was still wandering in the arboretum. Twas a nice place anyway.

got Ninja-ed by the GM

Feeling watched by the elder Madris, Hepsubia tries to read past his face

Sense motive on Big Brother: 1d20 ⇒ 20

"We have had the opportunity to speak with your brother's spirit," Zithembe says. "Although he may be too shy to manifest, now."

wow, given Grishan's reaction maybe we shouldn't mention that his spirit is still lingering... Sylvak reflects as Hep stumbles through her response, ...but, how do we answer the question then? I'll suppose I'll just let someone with more experience in the subtleties of such interactions take the lead...

The fair half-elf suddenly and unexpectedly lets out a quick chortle at Zithembe's words. Then he hastily composes himself and offers a nod to confirm the medium's words.

alright, the truth it is... I suppose honesty is the best policy...

Maldris gives Kiango a quizzical look, cocking his head slightly. "I'm not entirely sure that I catch your meaning?" As his eyes flicker across each of your faces they linger for a moment on J's, where the conflict she - or is it Grishan? - must be feeling is quite apparent. Although Major Maldris' demeanor is one of quiet but firm strength, Zithembe's sudden and rather blasé mention of meeting his younger brother's spirit sees him quite shocked and taken aback. His eyes flash with fury, but then soften as he realizes that you aren’t playing a cruel joke. As J shoots Zithembe an extremely annoyed look, Maldris whispers, "G-Grishan?"

J is silent for a moment and then, in barely a whisper, replies in a hollow, echoing voice as though she and Grishan were speaking as one, "Brother...not yet." A tear rolls down J's face as she channels the younger Maldris, his emotions so linked to her own that there is surely little separating the two.

"H-he...he's not ready to talk to you," J continues after a pause, the only voice to be heard her own. She wipes at her face. "I'm sorry."

Maldris swallows hard, looking quite distraught as he sweeps one hand through his hair in agitation. "I...I see. I would like to know more of how you have come to harbor Grishan's spirit, but...I will wait until a more appropriate time. But, Grishan, if you are listening - I am sorry. So very, very sorry that I could not save you all those years ago..."

After a moment of awkward, uncomfortable silence, Maldris heaves a great sigh and clears his throat. "As...as I was about to say a moment ago, if you have discovered anything at all about Grishan or what he might discovered then please, allow me to see it," he implores. "In situations such as this one, it is important to consider the bigger picture, the greater good, and the unfortunate realities of politics. You see, skilled orators can take even the hint of scandal and spin it into a mountain to bury their target, preventing almost anyone from seeing the accomplishments and value of the people beneath," he explains earnestly. "Were information of a sensitive nature to become public, it could tarnish not only my own reputation, but the reputation of the Liberty’s Edge as a whole, and by extension, the reputations of all of the Pathfinders who tirelessly work under our banner to promote the cause of freedom!"

We'll give you want you need, of course.

well, since we're being completely honest...

"We found his notes," Sylvak offers, "the ones he had left in the drop off before the accident. You should know, though, that he had uncovered some information... about the, uh, Vanoeker family, which might be part of the reason for his, umm... current reluctance."

Zithembe nods. "While he does not currently recall it, the notes indicate that he had become disillusioned with you when he uncovered the past of your family," the shabti says, "And that may unconsciously be driving his reticence. Or the enormity of meeting his living brother so long after his own death."

He pauses for the faction leader to compose himself. "Potentially of more immediate concern, your brother uncovered a plot to assassinate Pathfinders. This may be old news, but we thought it best to bring it to your attention in case it knowledge lost with Grishan's death."

Kiango nods in agreement with Zithembe's words.
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Still here, just sitting back for this part! I'm having trouble separating player vs PC knowledge with this interaction.

Maldris' face falls when Sylvak and Zithembe further elaborate on the contents of some of Grishan's reports. "Ah. Yes, I suspect that would explain it," he sighs again. As Hepsubia offers to allow Maldris to see what the notes contain, he takes them from her and offers a nod.

"Thank you. Once I have a better idea of what they contain I will be able to determine how to proceed," he remarks as he quickly reads through each paper, brow furrowing at some points and shaking his head at others.

"I know this looks bad," he finally states, looking up from the papers. "And I’m not going to try to justify my actions. These notes paint everyone they touch in a negative light. But that is why I should take possession of them. Remember what we discovered two years ago, my friends, and the seeds of corruption threatening Andoran that sparked the decision to separate Liberty’s Edge as its own entity. Members of that conspiracy among Andoran’s politicians would use their oratory against all our works, if any of this came to light."

He looks around at each of you once more. "I cannot and will not force you to allow me to keep these but I will ask you to allow me to do so. Or...if you would not turn them over to me then I would ask that you at least consider destroying them rather than make their contents public knowledge."

"You two...you are some of our newest recruits to the cause of liberty, are you not?" Maldris suddenly asks, turning his attention to Hepsubia and Ylva. "I read a little of your exploits in Janira Gavix's latest report and I believe the two of you will go far, for you have the right amount of gumption and guile. What are your feelings on this matter?"
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You're at a decision point: you can hand Grishan's notes over to Colson, you can keep them and destroy them yourselves, or you can keep them with the intent to make their contents public (by giving it to the Pathfinder Society or perhaps selling it to outside buyers). I'll stress that there's no 'wrong' answer here but as this is faction-related the answer will affect chronicles for those belonging to the Liberty's Edge faction - Hepsubia and Ylva. So I definitely want to hear what those two think, if possible.

I do think that you should keep them, even if you take the decision later to destroy them yourself if they are too dangerous for the Society as a whole or our faction. I'm not telling that because you are our superior among Liberty's Edge, just because you are better informed and have an all around knowledge I'm lacking.

Theo leans over to Ylva and whispers, "While bringing truth to light is almost always the best answer...on rare occasion, a greater good can be served by letting old tales stay hidden. Especially when that knowledge would serve ill intent. The question then becomes: Do you trust this man to do the right thing with this information?"

Better than I trust myself to do the right thing with this information, so the choices are limited for me.

"It does little in our hands, as far as I can see," Zithembe comments.

Ylva hesitates but then quietly nods. "If Hepsubia and Zithembe and you think it's for the best, then...I guess I trust you," she whispers back to Theodric. J shrugs. "It's...not really my business. I don't think it's fair that he gets to just lie about his family like that but if Ylva trusts your judgement then I'll trust it too."

With Kiango abstaining, Ylva's player not really being present now and Hepsubia, Theodric, and Zithembe all in favor of turning the papers over that seems to be a majority vote.

For his part, Colson Maldris looks relieved as most of you agree on letting him keep possession of his brother's reports. "You have my most sincere and utmost thanks," he smiles. "And I promise that you will not regret contributing to the cause of freedom this day! I understand that you still have some business of your own to conclude and so I won't delay you any further. But, ah, Lady Dacilane? Would you allow me to call on you and...and Grishan at a later time of your choosing? It seems that we still have much to discuss."

"Um...yes, we can do that," J replies, fidgeting a little awkwardly. "Once Grishan is ready, though. Not a day sooner. Fair enough?"

Maldris hesitates for a moment and then nods. "Yes, fair enough. Thank you all again. Good luck and farewell!"

And with that, he turns and disappears back down the alley he'd emerged from.
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Another post to follow, please stand by~