GM Rednal's Legendary Planet AP (Inactive)

Game Master Rednal

"Helping others helps to break up the journey, and tends to be the most memorable moments as well. As for the rest, I do have some questions and I'm pleased that we've finally met someone knowledgeable enough to answer them.

"How many livable regions are there here, and over what area? Have people explored beyond the wastes? How do you weather the horrible lightning storms here? We were caught in one on the way here and it rivaled some of the worst weather I've seen. Have you ever heard anything about a thing called the Opus Aeterna?"

Phai cringes visibly when Vincent openly asks about the Opus Aeterna, but does her best to hide the reaction.
Bluff: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (18) - 2 = 16

"Ah, you've heard of it?" he responded at the last question, actually sounding a little pleased. "A fascinating item, if regretfully incomplete. I've seen a few pages, but its true knowledge is almost certainly lost until someone manages to reassemble it - and, alas, the locations of all its pieces are beyond me. Most of the habitable regions are the five baronies here on Rythes - Dust, Merebic, Blue, Veleate, and the Bloom. There are also a few monasteries out in the wastes. We haven't gotten further than the mountains to the northwest of here, but if the land keeps regrowing, then Saints willing, someday this whole world will be whole again. As for the weather, well, the storms don't bother the Baronies, really - it's out in the Wastes you've got problems."

"As for my own issue, there's a quarry not too far from town where we get the stone to build and maintain our walls. Unfortunately, we recently discovered a pit filled with bones there... and the miners began to complain of debilitating rashes and blisters. I want to get the miners back to work as soon as possible so they can make some repairs to the walls, but quite frankly, they don't have the abilities needed for that kind of exploratory excursion. You three seem rather more capable, so if you can fix the problem down there - and I don't care how you do it as long as it doesn't wreck the quarry - I can give you fifteen hundred gold pieces and a decree that should get you the cooperation of at least most of the monks. Ought to be rather handy if you're looking into the Opus."

Raising an eyebrow, Isen replied, "That sounds quite handy, yes. It sounds like somewhat more than a simple plague pit." Isen could probably heal the disease with magic, but stopping the infection would take some effort. Fire seemed like a prime candidate.

"May we speak to and examine the afflicted miners? If we can determine the nature of the affliction, we may be able to find the source more easily."

Phai pondered the Barons words: "An exploratory excursion is one thing, but this does not quite sound like a regular illness or disease - you would need a doctor, not someone...like us. Did you find a means to counter the illness? And how long was the incubation?"
She could not help but feel expendable...of course, it would have actually impressed her if the Baron did not see them that way...but learning more about the mysterious illness seemed necessary - there was no guarantee that her skill with medicine, or even Magic could stop or reverse the afflictions...

The Baron considered for a moment, then nodded at Vincent's request. "Never any harm in learning what you can about a threat." he observed. "Unfortunately, we don't know too much about it. Healing is rather limited here on Rythes, even for the followers of the Saints, and for the obvious reasons we didn't want to test it. You should be fine if you're not down there for too long, though - whatever it is, it doesn't seem to be instant."

"Well, some simple questions will help. If it's only the people who touches the stones and dust from the pit, then we know that. If it was only the ones close enough to breath it in, then we know that. If some who were neither but met with those who did, then we know it spreads between people." Isen shrugged. Hopefully, they could narrow down the means of transmission and have some idea what to do to protect themselves.

"Where are the miners, now?" - Phai was suddenly slightly afraid, hearing about the abysmal state of healing on Rythes.
When Isen asked about transmission and mentioned spread, she found herself hoping, very strongly, that the basic principles of quarantine were known on this planet...

"What would be the best place for us to find rooms to rest in while we're here in town? If I spend some time in meditation, tomorrow I may be better able to learn about the affliction."

If we can rest for the night, I'll prepare two castings of diagnose disease in my paladin slots. One for the miners, one for the mine.

"Some of the miners are in their homes, but the ones who aren't too ill visit the Mossbeard Alehouse a lot. The disease doesn't seem to be contagious away from the mines, so people give them a bit of a berth, but we haven't seen any reason to quarantine them." Baron Yacob explained. "They've got rooms there, too, and that's where most visitors stay."

Phai's eyes widened in disbelieve.
Well, here's hoping this disease is not one with a lenghty incubation period...
Does not SEEM to be contagious seemed like a risky bet, when it was unclear since when the miners had been exposed...which could well have been before the discovery they made.
"Did any of the workers seem to get better since they've been away from the mines? - And how will they know we are working for you? Is there some Imperial Seal or something to show we are acting in your name?"
Turning to her companions, she adds:"After the meeting, should we head to the Mossbeard Alehouse? I figure those miners feeling well enough to head there would be more open to questions and getting diagnosed than those hoping for rest and privacy in their homes-"

Isen glanced at the others. With no quarantine, it suddenly became much more personally relevant to find a cure, especially if it turned out this disease was easily caught.

"Yes, definitely. I'd like to ask them about their experiences and symptoms. If possible I'd like to try some simple techniques to help them heal as well. I've helped tend the ill during a plague before, though I was mostly acting as an assistant then. I figure we can talk to the miners, rest for the evening, then in the morning resupply and head to the mine."

"They have gotten better over time - even the worst of them should be fully healed soon, but that doesn't help if the mines make them sick again." the Baron explained. "As for convincing them, just let them know I've asked you to look into what's going on. They know it's been my plan, and most of them are eager to get back to work. Our walls help keep us safe, after all, and they know how important the quarry is."

"Very well, we shall see what we can learn and report back.", Phai answers, ready to take her leave and head to the Tavern.

"Excellent, let's get going then."

Isen nodded politely to the Baron as they prepared to leave.

Taking your leave, you collected your things - everything was there, and apparently untouched - you head towards the large building near the entrance to town.

This bustling tavern holds several stone tables fashioned from the same purple-veined, brown stone comprising the walls of Trebelbet. A sour smell permeates the entire room as a diminutive gnome takes orders at the bar, and another navigates the tables to serve patrons a tray of mugs filled with green liquid. Among the current patrons, you see familiar faces. Too familiar. A group of figures apparently identical to the warriors you fought on the way here - with the broken language and the explosive tent - are sitting at one of the far tables. As they see you, they grin and raise their mugs in some kind of salute, but don't seem interested in getting up to bother you.

Vincent scratched at his cheek and whispered, "Is it racist if I think they all look the same..?" He shrugged and returned a wave, then headed to the bar. "Hi there. I'll have a mug of whatever is most popular. And if you don't mind, perhaps you could direct me towards any of the town's miners if they're present this evening."

"Not as much as I'd like. Don't forget the suicide necklaces...and the fact they, once again, seem to have taken an interest to us.", Phai answers to Vincent.

Calmly, she walks up to the Syaandi, uttering but one word:"Trade?", awaiting their reaction.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (20) + 14 = 34
Perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (2) + 14 = 16

Isen raised an eyebrow at the presence of the Syaandi, and it went higher at the acknowledgement. Did this group have some kind of combined conciousness? Or were these the same ones, reborn? He kept close to Phai as she approached, remembering the strange device he'd removed from there leader, and hoping it wasn't for some kind of revenge.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18

At Phai's question, the Syaandi just laughed. The apparent leader shook his head, and in a rough version of the local dialect, simply noted, "Perhaps if you offered something we care about."

Isen considered pulling out the previous leaders necklace and see if they were willing to trade...but it would likely be seen as a more hostile move.

"Well, we did get some wonderful deals the last time our groups met," Isen replied with a smile, referencing the fact that they'd taken what they'd wished from the Syaandi's cold, dead hands. "But as you prefer. I'm sure we shall see you again."

He nodded to Phai. "We have more interesting things to attend to, alas. I'm sure we can barter with these kind folk later, most likely at a place and time of there choosing."

Phai returns the nod, calmly: "Aye. The price we ended up paying was a bit too high for my liking. But next time, we'll already know the local customs..."
There was nothing further to say - but it would be interesting to learn how long ago that Syaandi group had started frequenting the tavern. When fetching a drink for herself(and the others) she will subtly inquire regarding that detail with the innkeeper, rounding up the payment to give a handy tip if he does answer.

Vincent watched the other two return while he waited at the bar for the bartender.

"They've come by a lot recently, though they were out for a few weeks. Got back not long before you arrived." the bartender - a male gnome - said as he gestured. "What can I get for you? Most of our ale's made from moss, but it's pretty good once you get used to it."

Meanwhile, thanks to their efforts at observation, both Phai and Vincent noticed what looked like an albino tengu looking curiously at you from the back of the tavern.

Isen considered, not staring at the Tengu. Leaning his head closer to Phai,
he murmured, "Didn't our Gnoll friend mention to not trust the white birdman, nor a one eyed assassin?" He couldn't imagine there were many Tengu matching the description, and he mentally compared the staring bird to the white feather he'd foind at the attack site while taking a quick look around for someone with one eye.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25

"Moss ale is fine for a start, maybe we'll sample some of the more exotic drinks a bit later!", Phai responded, then returned to Vincent and Isen, offering a mug to each with one of her lower arms.
"The Syaandi were out for weeks, and arrived shortly before us. Somehow, I doubt thats a coincidence. And I agree, Isen, chances are good that chirper is who the Gnoll spoke of. - To a job well done, and payment well earned.", she offers her own mug for a toast. "Neither group is here by chance, but we are here for a reason we don't need to hide. Lets enjoy our drinks, then see about those miners..."

"Do you think they're working together? We've had trouble following us for as long as I've known you." Vincent replied as he returned the toast and sampled the moss brew. "Either way, if they mean trouble, I'm sure we'll find out sooner or later. Likely either when we try to rest tonight, or when we go out to the quarry to investigate."

Looking around, Isen noticed a one-eyed Wayang sitting next to the tengu. One person might have been coincidence - two almost certainly wasn't.

Meanwhile, the bartender moved a few mugs over to the taps and got the drinks Phai had ordered. The drinks weren't too bad, but they definitely had a strong moss flavor... and would take a bit of getting used to.

"There's a one eyed friend - a Wayang over there," Isen notified the others. "I fear we're going to have to introduce ourselves to them before they choose to make introductions us. An assassin who is allowed to choose his ground is a dangerous foe."

"True that...but despite their keen interest in us, they may not be aware yet that we know of them. Making the first move gives away an information advantage there...maybe we should try and lure them into action on our terms? Two of us seemingly retreating to their rooms, one taking a lonely walk at night?"
That, and I would suggest we first tend to some miners. See how the Syaandi and our two new friends spend the evening. If the Wayang and Birdie try to leave early, we can still go say hi-

Yup. I agree.

While the other two worked on a plan for addressing the potential assassin problem, Vincent remained focused on the task at hand. Finding and introducing himself to recovering miners.

It didn't take long to find a pair of miners - two human men who looked a little weak still, but had clearly recovered from recent illnesses. Their thick arms were a bit of a giveaway, too, and one raised a cup of moss ale. "Outsiders." he said neutrally. "No offense, but we've not much to talk about except rocks and ale, so you may want to head elsewhere if you're looking for a pleasant time."

"None taken, we are new here. I'm Vincent, and it's actually the rocks that I'd like to talk to you about, if you don't mind. The baron has asked my friends and me to look into whatever caused you folks to get sick lately and see about fixing it so it'll be safe for you to go back to work." Vincent pulled up a chair as he spoke. "Could you tell me what you remember about the time leading up to the start of the illnesses? Was anything unusual uncovered at the quarry? Also, what symptoms did you experience? Did any usual medicine help at all?"

"It would have to be Vincent going for a walk," Isen replied, considering. "He is more likely to survive any initial issues." And he and Phai were somewhat more stealthy.

"Also, would you mind a short physical examination regarding the symptoms? While you enjoy a drink on us, for the trouble?", Phai added.
At the opportune moment Isen had choosen to speak, earlier, Phai replied:"My thoughts exactly. Plus, I can easily exit the room and take up position on a roof, providing cover..."
(That said, with Sentinel I am also quite sturdy...so if Vincent would prefer for me to go that's an option - but I figure he is melee, I am ranged, chances are him drawing attention and me standing off works out better, overall)

Nah, I'm happy to play bait.

The men eyed Phai as she asked about physically examining them. "I'd... have to ask my wife." one of them said.

The other addressed Vincent. "Well, we'd recently opened up a new area. Somewhat odder rocks there. Didn't notice anything at first, but we were workin' slower as time went on, until we almost couldn't swing things anymore. Normal medicine didn't do a thing, but bed rest was enough. Whatever it was, didn't catch - thank the saints for small mercies." He lifted his cup and drank a bit.

Vincent chuckled. "In addition to being an expert marksman, Phai here is also our medic. She's quite professional, despite being all hands."

The paladin considered the other man's description carefully before replying. "Could be a number of things I suppose. Poisonous gases is probably the most likely, though a weak curse, or life consuming stones could have a similar effect. What sort of 'odder' rocks do you mean? And how many and how large? It could be the stones I mentioned, and then simply removing them or staying away from those ones could allow you to mine safely."

Isen listened, giving the man a visual once over as he did.

Heal: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

Without a blush, Phai responds:"It would not be THAT kind of examination. Unless the disease affected your reproductive parts in a detrimental way - even then, I assure you my interest would be purely medicinal in nature."
And you'd probably be incompatible, anyway, with only a single one of those...
As the man spoke, Phai carefully watched his flexing arm muscles as he lifted his drink, trying to see if the movents were sluggish or lacking power, compared to what seemed to be imprinted in their muscle memory.
Heal: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (20) + 14 = 34

The miners shook their head. "Shouldn't have been gas. We brought the birds along, and they didn't react any faster than we did. We did recently open up a new area, though - looked like someone had built it."

Isen couldn't spot much, but Phai was able to note that the man's movements still looked a little sluggish, and he seemed clumsier than usual - his body wasn't reacting as quickly as it once had.

Nodding, Isen asked, "Did the disease seem to affect the animals taken down at all?" It would be unusual for it to cross species like that, and might suggest a magical component.

"What made you think that the new area might have been artificially built?", Phai added a second question. So far, it seemed a given that the breached area was not natural - but little else. And they would definitely prepare differently for a formian hive, a burial chamber, or a colony of sentient mushrooms...

"Did you do any digging in the new area at all?"

At the question, the talking miner shorted slightly. "Manufactured walls are pretty obvious." he said, gesturing at the walls of the building. "At least, they are on this world. I suppose there might be some places where it's a little harder to tell, but this isn't one of them. The animals did get sick, but we didn't have time to do too much digging before we were forced out."

Isen clicked his tongue in surprise. If it could and did affect animals too, that suggested this was magical in nature, and normal safeguards would be ineffective. Perhaps some kind of Protection magic might help...

"Is there anything else you can think of that might have been relevant? We're planning on poking around down there to hopefully fix the source of the problem, and we'd appreciate anything that can help use avoid getting sick."