GM Netherpongo's Champion's Chalice I (Inactive)

Game Master Nathan Goodrich

Once the opening ceremonies end, the baron's men usher everyone competing in the race into the tavern's private rooms to divest them of their belongings. Each person's belongings is stored in a separate wooden chest, locked and taken to a secure room in the back of the inn. You are each given a monk's outfit dyed in Sargava's colors: red, black and white.

I think everyone has taken care of their various equipment concerns already, but if anyone is smuggling anything in, they need to give me a Sleight of Hand check here.

Once you are all properly adorned, the baron leads the group in a grand processing from The Filling Cup through the streets of Eleder and into the hills northeast of the city. Former victors join the procession as it travels, and you are easily able to pick out Philt, the Trail Hound that was the winner and sole survivor of last year's race. All along the trail, enthusiastic fans line the streets to shout praise and encouragement to all the racers. Once the procession reaches the outskirts of the city, it becomes much less formal.

You have a chance to speak with the other contestants as you walk toward the starting line camp here, if you wish.

Crowe walks over to the Zenj and says: "I hope that you one day succeed to eradicate the footprints of these Chelaxian oppressors."

He looks up to the sky and continues: "In this race we are opponents but believe my ... in my heart I am your ally."

She begins a meditation to help her focus on the task at hand.

I've been watching too much Psych recently, hence the obsession with nicknames. :D

Jiro seems content that his chosen name for the team resounds across the plaza and eagerly changes into the Sargavan monk's outfit. Wishing he prepared Prestidigitation, Jiro unenthusiastically parades around in his garb throughout the procession, feeling a bit conformist and uncomfortable as he normally wouldn't be caught dead in the same outfit as someone else at a party.

"Hey, Phil!" Jiro yells across the crowd as he tries to get closer to the man, dragging along Lemongrass Goguloupe (aka Ingrge). "We have a big fan over here! I'm Jiro and this is my associate, Lemongrass. Lemon studied your technique for years and just must know, why were you only person to make it back alive? What's your secret: cocoa butter scalp rub?"

I'm just bantering, but if you'd like a Bluff for the inconsequential lies, I can do that.

Bluff | No Headband: 1d20 + 8 - 1 ⇒ (12) + 8 - 1 = 19

Nalina changes to the monk's outfit, then walks with the others, silently preparing herself for the trials ahead. She expects the next several days to be exciting.

Bonuwei considers Crowe carefully before responding. "I am not familiar with your people, stranger. You must come from very far away from here. Tell me of your struggles with the foreigners. Perhaps we can learn something from one another."

Philt regards Jiro with an unwholesome grin. "I'm always happy to share a word with those about to die. Some of your Pathfinder friends..." he waves his hand to show a middling response. "You though...I saw your antics in the tavern back there. These lands are harsh. They'll spit a dandy like you out and suck on your bones just for laughs." He punctuates his statement with a belly-laugh of his own. "I hope you enjoy it."

Crowe looks at Bonuwei with understanding "I am a Shoanti ... a warrior from the Cinderlands in Varisia. That is a land far away from here where the Chelish invaded our land and occupied our holy sites ... even today they continue to kill my people and even worse ... create a reality which divides my people. You sounded very serious during your speech. Do you have plans for a revolution that could be based on this race?"

"A dandy, huh?" Jiro says as he strokes his chin with a grin. "At least you recognize my eloquence and style, though your choice of terminology seems outdated."

"I'm not afraid of Sargava. A place that can only rely on pirates to protect it cannot possibly be of any danger to someone as excellent as me, especially with Mr. Gogulope leading the way through the bush." he says boastfully. "Tell me, what devoured your teammates and your competitors? Surely it couldn't be the local thylacine population. Us dandies have to stick together, right?" he finishes with a wink and a nudge with the elbow.

Ingrge bows to the winner/survivor of the most recent race. "Thank you for your insight, honored Philt, we will disturb you no more..."

Ingrge is not so interested in sharing pleasantries but wants to avoid any confrontations until the race actually begins...he's much more interested in keeping an eye on anything suspicious from the opposing teams...with all the bravado spoken in the introductions, he thinks it likely that some teams may be more ruthless than others, and he'd rather find that out beforehand so as to be prepared, so he'll skirt the camp and keep his eyes and ears open...

Perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (9) + 14 = 23

Nalina is quiet, like Ingrge. Though it may be possible to find useful information about their competitors by chatting with them, she feels that she should leave that to Jiro, whose enthusiasm will likely throw off their competitors while he pulls information from them unknowingly.

She is quiet and listens.

Pethwen does not avoid conversation with the other competitors and also approaches Bonuwei and the Zenj. "I must admit I feel for your plight. Tell me, how do you think winning this race might help you achieve liberation...above and beyond running well and making a point? I could not bring it upon myself to give anything but my best in this challenge but if there is any other way I might help?"

As he skirts the camp and observes, Ingrge is relieved to see that, with his present company, he will be excused from having to converse much with the other contestants, a skill for which he is sorely lacking...an Elf must know his limitations...

Bonuwei responds to Crowe & Pethwen: "While I appreciate the support you have expressed, I will decline to tell you more of our plans than we have already." - (see also: the GM has absolutely no idea what their plans are) - "While I see that you are sincere, you are still outsiders and this fight is our own. If you wish to help, however..." his words trail off and he attempts to indicate the Ashen Leaves and the Trail Hounds without being too obvious. "Anything you could do to ensure that those interlopers do not win the race would be of aid to us. The pirates are as bad as the Chelaxians, taking the bounty of our land with no end to their greed."

Quick sidenote: if anyone is confused on this point, Philt is not participating in this year's race. The Trail Hounds are all-new this year.

Philt grins, as though he'd been waiting for Jiro to ask the questions he has. "I cannot say what killed the other racers, and I became separated from the other Trail Hounds. This however, I can show you." Philt pulls up his shirt to reveal a twisted scar. "A great winged beast with a vicious spiked tail impaled me here before I slew it with my own hands. The Sargavans might pay the Free Captains for their protection, but the lands you will enter do not. You are a fool, and I look forward to seeing you fail to return."

Philt's description isn't enough to get a monster knowledge check. The problem is less that you couldn't recognize a critter, but that too many might fit the description. Wyverns & manticores probably top the most-obvious list.

Nalina sneers at Philt's rude and unnecessary bloodlust. "You wish us to fail and die? All the more reason for us to succeed. You are a brutish man, and I hope you get impaled again." As she says that last sentence, the anger in her voice changes tone subtly as her teeth elongate into fangs. Her fingertips grow sharp cat's claws, and orange-and-black striped fur grows up her arms. She turns and walks away from him, and the transformation quickly ends.

What an a-hole!

The psychic seeing that Nalina Brakaer is upset will reach her hand out and softly touch her on the shoulder/ patience is all she says.

Nalina turns sharply at the touch, her claws appearing once more, but then sees that it is a member of her group, and calms. "Thank you. I must learn to control my anger..."

Unless you do, your anger will control you. she says with a warm. smile.

Ingrge hides a grin at Nalina's outburst... while admiring her spunk, he wondered if Philt's retort was aimed more at Jiro than her, as the former Trail Hound earlier marked their enthusiastic young friend as a dandy...

Crowe does some more small talk with Bonuwei "Yes, I have identified them as the first targets!"

As there still seems to be some time before the race starts, Pethwen approaches the team of halflings. "Greetings, I am Pethwen from the Bold Lunar Striders. I am somewhat ashamed to admit I have not heard of the Ebanasi and many people seemed to be surprised at your presence here for the race. If you don't mind me asking, what made you decide to run for the Chalice this year...and what are your thoughts on the tensions between the Chelaxians and the Mwangi people?"

Diplomacy (if needed) - take 10 for 23

The outgoing young cleric then approaches the Ashen Leaves, introducing herself to them as well. "Greetings! It's exciting, isn't it? I can't wait to get the challenge underway. Tell me, have any of you raced in this event before or know anyone who has? What is it like? Oh, and I have to ask, I don't mean to be rude, but I couldn't help notice the tensions when the Mwangi team announced their entry into the race. How do you all feel about their presence here? What do you think would happen if they managed to win?"

Diplomacy (if needed) - take 10 for 23

Ingrge is right that Philt was directing his comments at Jiro specifically. He seems both pleased and amused if Nalina also took offense, though. Dude is a pirate!

Regarding the halflings, I have to admit here that I have no idea what is up with them...even less than the Zenj people. Their intro is SO cool and I want to know more, but it's all I have.

Tensa'i looks somewhat uncomfortable at Pethwen's approach, but does try to answer her questions. "My people are the Song'o, and we have little to do with the humans that live in this land...we do not understand their ways. We have also not raced before, and do so this year for our own reasons." He looks at Pethwen a bit oddly for a moment before continuing. "You do not look like the other humans."

Pethwen smiles back at the halfling, her diamond like eyes sparkling with a natural joy. "No, I am not a human, although my father was one...or so my mother says, as I never met him. My mother was an elf but she says I was born 'special'. She says I have the blood of the celestials mixed in with my own. I know not how that can be but I am what I am."

Ingrge will shadow Pethwen as she visits the various other competing factions, staying on the fringes, trying to ascertain what he can about each...

Perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (6) + 14 = 20

"You outsiders are all so very strange," Tensa'i states. "I thank you for your courtesy, however. Ebanasi will win this race, but I hope you stay safe on your journey."

"Outsider? I...I do not like that term, but I am sure you meant no offense. Although my mother loved me dearly, I was largely shunned by my people both because of who my father was but perhaps also because I was different. I believe all people are born equal, no matter their race or where they come from...but sadly not all feel the same." Her eyes glance over to the noble Chelaxians before she rejoins her friends and waits for the race to begin.

Yup. Jiro is assuming that Philt is more directing his barbs at him specifically.

Seeing Nalina react, Jiro is pleasantly pleased. "I will be sorry to disappoint, but not returning would severely hinder my ability to attend the next mission, hence I have to return. Make sure you are in the front row at the finish line, Philt. I'll make sure to give you a wave upon my bold return."

Knowledge of violent flying animals is good enough for me! Ready for some pain!

It looks like you guys are done talking with the other teams for the moment, at least. I'll move us along. Sidenote for Pethwen: Tensa'i was saying outsider "not from my village", not Outsider "from another plane". I can see how that could be misconstrued, and if you want Pethwen to do so that's fine.

As night settles in around you, the procession ends at what will be the starting line for the race the next morning. You are in hill country, and the race organizers have prepared tents and a final civilized meal for the racers. You are given a small cloth map of the race course to help you find your way. You can find the map in Chalice Maps.

Edit: I'm not sure how to make colored arrows to explain it more clearly, but you are starting in the corner of the hills hex to the northeast and the finish line is on the other side of the swamp hex to the southwest.

Perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (20) + 14 = 34

Ingrge, thinking it strange that a race organizer appears to be secretly meeting with an agent of the Ashen Leaves, rises quietly and stealthily heads out after them, by himself, to try and find out if something fishy is going on...

Stealth: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (19) + 13 = 32

Perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (11) + 14 = 25 Nalina also notices the race organizer and Lucca speaking. Seeing Ingrge following, Nalina decides to let the Ranger do her thing, opting to stay and enjoy the meal.

Since Nalina can only turn into a tiger or falcon, neither of which would look normal in the nighttime right now, she'll stay where she is. I wish I could turn into an owl!

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

Jiro is lost in his hearty stew, poking a succulent potato with his fork before taking a big bite. "Hey... Where did Lemongrass go?" he asks with his mouth full as he fails to notice when the slippery half-elf left the dinner table.

Shrugging, Jiro leans across the wooden table and takes the small loaf of bread from Ingrge's plate. "Mmm... more bread." he says with a smile before frowning and thinking about it some more.

He rips a small hunk of the bread (about a quarter of the loaf) off and places it back on Ingrge's plate before absconding with the sausage. "He needs some carbs, not this fatty meat." Jiro adds with a smile before slapping some mustard on the sausage and taking a big bite.

Ingrge rushes over to the fire and quickly grabs the crumpled rag as Lucca returns to his tent...if it's already caught fire, he'll roll it around in the dirt to extinguish it as best he can...

You manage to recover the map. It's singed, but still readable.

After retrieving the map, Ingrge will walk to the nearest cover he can find and discretely examine the map...

Perception 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19

The map is identical to the one you received from the race officials earlier tonight except for a red "X" marked at the edge of a ridge a few miles away from the starting line.

Ingrge frowns, nodding as he notices the 'X' on the map...he carries it back to the Pathfinders camp and reveals what he found...and how he found it....

"I overheard Lucca of the Ashen Leaves bribing an official, who then gave them this map...we need to inform the Baron and his committee of this blatant cheating attempt and give them this evidence..."

"I respect your honesty, Ingrge, but I am not sure that is the wisest course of action." Pethwen says in a calm voice that has the slightest underlying tone of a softly played violin. "From what you have said, the Committee themselves are quite likely involved, maybe even the Baron? The best way to use this knowledge would perhaps be to turn it against them. If they have left some form of advantage at this spot marked with an 'X' then I think we should beat them to it and perhaps use if for ourselves, or at least stop them from obtaining it. If we tell the officials they may find some other way to help the Ashen Leaves that we may not find out about. Of all the teams in this race, I would least like to see that particular team do well, or the gods forbid, win."

Ingrge shakes his head. "First off, we may not beat them there...and if that's the case, they'll succeed in cheating. Second, if we do beat them there and use their hidden stash, we gain an advantage not just over them, but the other groups who are not cheating...we would be no better than the Ashen Leaves and I'll be no part of that...

"For what it's worth, from the conversation I overheard, the bribed official seemed to be operating on his own as he was very wary of getting caught..."

"I agree. We should make use of this information ourselves. Perhaps I can scout the location from the sky and determine if there is something useful to us there?"

@GM: Is this in the first hex, or a subsequent one? If it's in the same hex that we're starting in, I would suggest that Nalina use her falcon form and use the first travel block the first day to scout the location.

Pethwen smiles, although her diamond-like eyes do perhaps take on a little bit more sharp look than her usual genial demeanour. "I do not believe our worth can be judged on how we behave in a mere race. Our victory would not help support an oppressive regime, subjugating its native peoples, for instance. I do grant that finding this stash first would be one thing, using it once we know what it is would be a separate decision. If we could be confident that sharing this information would somehow see the Ashen Leaves punished or penalised in some manner, however?" Pethwen muses upon the dilemma a little, waiting to hear what the other team members have to say about the situation.

Ingrge returns an equally cold smile; he had not been expecting a debate on this. "Explore...Report...Cooperate. I fail to see how cheating fits in that mantra...for winning the race to have merit, it should be done without the use of an illicit stash, whether it was out there for us or not...finding stuff to use is one thing, using stuff put out specifically for cheating is quite another...

"We are Pathfinders...we have no need to stoop to the level of the Ashen Leaves..."

Just RPing...Ingrge is Lawful Good and I think this is how he would react.

No, that's totally fine. Pethwen is Chaotic Good, so she is not going to let silly things like rules and laws get in the way of what she thinks is for the greater good. Nice moral dilemma, though.

"You have a good point, Ingrge, but perhaps not to support your own claim. I fail to see how 'cheating' falls within the mantra of the Pathfinders, either. It does not seem to be covered by any of the three stated values at all" The underlying tone of Pethwen's voice seems to pick up some accompaniement from the rest of the strings section now, some cellos and maybe even a double bass. "How many missions have you been sent on where some degree of subterfuge, deception, sometimes even outright theft was called for...for the greater good. I will not try to impose my will on you in this instance, as I understand you are bound by your own morals on this...but I ask that you do not try to do the same to me, either. Perhaps a simple vote is in order. I have the count at 2-1 in favour of attempting to find the hidden stash, at the moment."

A bit of information that may or may not be relevant to your debate. I didn't bring it up before because it didn't seem relevant then.

Kn. Religion: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Pethwen doesn't let silly things like 'the facts' get in the way of doing the right thing either, apparently.

Crowe listens to the discussion then says "I believe you all do not understand! This whole race is a charade!"

Crowe is fuming with rage.

"No, these Chelaxians only want to keep the masses quite and are using this race to cheat and show that they are superior ... superior to the native population ... superior to halfling tribes ... superior to the Pathfinder Society! I say NO! We use this information to kick their butt!"

Knowledge (Local): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Knowledge (Religion): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23

Ingrge looks on in disbelief. "Erastil's Antlers! The race is a charade so that gives us the right to cheat? Did we forget that we represent the Pathfinder Society? That our actions reflect upon more than ourselves?

"Baron Utilinus is the Grand Custodian of Sargava, a high ranking cleric of Iomedae...I have faith that he has no part in this and will do the right thing...I'm beginning to have less faith that we will..."

Nalina listens intently to her fellow Pathfinders, weighing her earlier mention of using the information for our own gain.
"You are correct, Ingrge. We should not stoop to cheating, even if other teams plan to. I would not trust those lower-functioning dignitaries running the race, however. If you can get an audience with the Baron, then presenting the evidence of this cheating to him should sufficiently absolve us of any guilt, either perceived or real. If you cannot, then I recommend that we head directly to the spot marked on the map and remove this stash, whatever it may be, so that the Chelaxian team cannot make use of it. We can then destroy the contents, or simply hide them elsewhere. I do believe it is our duty, if we cannot get justice through the race's higher-ups, to deal with this cheating ourselves. Do you all agree?"

I'd like to call for a vote here, which will only take effect if Ingrge can't get an audience with the baron. Please vote for either 1) ignoring the cheaters' stash and running the race without regard for it, or 2) going to the stash and removing it (NOT using the contents ourselves) so as to keep the cheaters from getting their advantage. I personally vote for #2.