GM Smashtag's PFS: In Service to Lore (Inactive)

Game Master DSXMachina

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12

Galfon does not notice the key until Itra points it out to everyone. "Wow. That's awfully high up." Even more so for the halfling. Looking to Mai, he adds, "Not sure I'll be much help with that. Can we really reach it with just two people?"

"I'm not certain. If Itra stands upon the table and I stand on her hands, possibly. Perhaps you can stand on my shoulders if I cannot reach."

"Hmm, let's see..." says Itra, grabbing hold of the plinth and dragging it across the floor. When it's just under the key, she climbs up on top of it and swings her swordstaff at the string holding the key.

Attack!: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15

"Or not." Mai watches placidly as Itra swings away.

With some help Itra knocks the Golden key from the ceiling. It falls towards the floor where Mai grasps it out of the air.

"We have an abundance of keys," Mai notes, "How many locks remain? One in the other chest and a gold key and jeweled brass key possibly of use. Are there other locks?"

She looks around the room to see if there might be other locks (doors, etc). Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

The only lock that remain are on the Steel Chest (& anything it contains) and the door out of the vaults....

"Well, we may be able to get out, but we have not yet retrieved what we came for. Any preferences for what key to try on the steel chest?"

Examine the steel chest's lock and the two keys in hand to see if there is an obvious correlation.Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13

Keys we have: ‹DSX› The scepter with a key on the end, the gold key and the jewelled brass key.

Itra frowns at the key collection. "Let's try the plain gold key."

The gold key fits snugly into the lock and turns unlocking it with a click.

So is Itra opening it?

"Go ahead, Itra. I'm right behind you," Galfon says, from ten feet away.

Mai stands way back. "This is a test. I doubt it would do anything to seriously hurt her. Even that shade of blue is flattering."

Itra smirks at the antics of Mai and Galfon, then shrugs. "May as well. What's it going to do, turn me purple instead?"

She opens the chest.

Blue mists sprays out from the box, in a 10 foot radius. The fine azure particles hanging upon the air.

Will Saves from everyone in range.

Heehee. Hey guys, we found ourselves a resetting trap!

Will!: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (9) + 0 = 9

Itra begins laughing softly as the mist envelops her, covering every bit of her front side. "Oh, I bet I look a sight. I really wonder what the 'Sage' thinks he's doing, but more than that I hope none of the guard see me like this..."

"Converting everyone to Sapphire Fools, I guess," Mai replies, stepping even farther back.

"Reminds me of something my old master used to say. 'Young Itra,' he'd say, 'outward color does not inward content reflect.'"

The spray of blue sticks to Itra's skin once more, dappling her in the 'ink' - fortunately it doesn't clump and form streaks, just dense blue freckles.

However what is more interesting is inside the box are a bunch of thick parchment maps in pristine condition - however they do show their age. A paper band keeps them together, written across it is Salhar Burial Vaults 'neath Solhis. The very maps that you are looking for, for Ventrue-Captain Valsin. Atop this is a gnarled stick with a note: For your troubles - Amenopheus.

"I salute your blueness as a mark of courage, Itra. Well done. Now, to exit. We can exit, no?"

"I expect so. Hmm..." remarks Itra thoughtfully, picking up the 'stick' and shaking it experimentally.

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17

Oh, dash it all. The DC is 18 for identifying the item/wand. Between the group you realise the head of the sceptre is a key head for the vault door!

Turns out I have Spellcraft, but can't identify without Detect Magic. :(

"All in all, a little more interesting than the rats. I guess we can scratch this one off the list, then," Galfon remarks, tugging on his backpack strap, "That just leaves the Chel woman, if I remember right."

Yeah, noticed that :(

As you unlock the door Amenopheus greets you, a smile on his face: "We done, Pathfinders." he emphasises the last word. "You have done well, especially you - young guard." he nods to Itra.

"You can take the wand too, as well the maps. Though you'll have to ask young Valsin, about keeping it. Think of it as a gift from the Osirian Lodge." he adds with a smile that brings out the creases in the corners of his eyes.

Mai bows formally. "Our thanks, Sapphire Sage. It is my hope to someday visit your homeland and see firsthand its fabled wonders. Thank you for the maps, the wand, and the lessons."

"You are welcome and if you, or any of you wish to join the Osirion Lodge. Well.... our doors are open, especially for clever people as yourselves." he adds patting his long voluminous clothing.

Elsewhere...

Itra shrugs and shakes the wand around a little more, speaking a few words which may or may not be the correct ones. Activate blindly!

Use Magic Device DC20: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
UMD DC20: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20

At the Sage...

Itra raises one blue-stained eyebrow at the man, but nods her head politely and says nothing.

The pouch he was bringing out of his robes suddenly unties, the string slips to the floor with a cascade of gold coins following. The leather unable to contain the money releases it's burden from the old man's hands. "Oh, that was to be your reward.... well still is." he says as the precious coins tinkle forming a pile on the floor.

Spellcraft rolls DC18 to identify what the wand has done, or feel free to guess.

Open/close!

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
Nope! :P

Itra kneels and begins collecting the coins. "Oops."

"It's fine." he says kindly; "I'd help you but my knees aren't what they once were. So young Pathfinder you seem quite enquiring? Where are you bound next? Seeing another of the Faction heads?"

Everyone gets 82GP each!

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18

Well Done Galfon, it's a Wand of Knock (10 charges)

"We are off to the Ivy District to visit a Chelish Paracountess, Sapphire Sage," Mai says with a bow of farewell, "And so we must depart to fulfill our duties. Many thanks for your aid and kindness."

Amenopheus gives a knowing smile, "Enjoy. My door is always open for you, if needs be."

~~~

Outside it's getting on into afternoon, the peaceful call of gulls cry out in the warm sunshine. The streets are quiet in the Wise quarter, even the animals are relaxing - as you pass a dog lounging on a wooden bench.

"We must hurry, Pathfinders," Mai says, suiting her pace to her words, trotting through the streets toward the south, from the Wise Quarter to the Ivy, "The day is aging and we have not yet completed our missions. Fortunately, the Ivy District is not far."

Though Mai keeps her eyes open for surly halflings or angry-looking women, her haste makes her careless. Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

Itra frowns thoughtfully as she follows at a more sedate pace. "I don't really see a need to hurry," she comments, "After all, we've only got to 'retrieve an item' from the Paracountess... I'm sure there'll be nothing to it..."

The blue dots on her face make it difficult to tell whether she's serious or not... as well as making it hard for her to see, apparently.

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

The trip from the Wise Quarter to the Ivy District isn't too far, under a mile of so. The streets change slightly with large town-houses predominating rather than the walled off estates of Councilman Salhar.

The style changes too, a magnificent gothic structure stands 3-storeys high before the group. Deep grey stone with Ivy creeping up the walls nicely framing the hard-wood windows.

Soon you arrive at the Paracountesses house. There's ebon lacquered double doors with fine silver filigree ironmongery. A bell-pull hangs from the door, topped with a silver pine cone.

Your Perception rolls don't reveal anything unusual.

Of course they don't...

Itra approaches the door and pulls the bell.

"Perhaps somebody who is not currently blue should speak for the group?" Mai suggests with a hint of laughter in her voice.

A servant in a dark silk shirt and britches opens the door, he smiles at them and draws his arm back welcoming them to the house. A open and deceptively large entrance hall stands before the group, black and white checker-board upon the floor.

Plush walnut furniture is artistically placed around the walls. "Can I take your clothes... jackets?" he asks with a voice as smooth as caramel on a warm day.

Rooks' keen eyes spot nothing else note-worthy.

Rook brings up the rear, as usual, keeping an eye out for anything noteworthy.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18

Itra frowns slightly. "We're here to see the paracountess." she says officiously. "She should be expecting us."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Mai bows slightly. "We will keep our clothing on, thank you."

Rook gives a warbling chuckle. "Perhaps she wishes to meet us in the sauna?" He keeps half an eye on the servant while making that suggestion.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

He nods his head. Looking at the group through languid heavy lidded eyes, sensuous honeyed eyes take in the group, with a soft pout he turns. "Of course, Mistress will meet you in her chambers - though I'm sure a private audience could be arranged." he purrs invitingly.

Moving before the group with fluid grace, a trained motion showing his taut body off to the maximum. The silken shirt billows slightly, revealing his muscular chest moonlight in contrast to the dark silk.

Itra glances at the others and shrugs, in a what-can-you-do sort of way. People with servants are almost always strange... people with strange servants... I guess we'll see.

"You have got to be kidding me..." Galfon mutters, rubbing the bridge of his nose.

"Lead the way, then," Mai commands the butler sternly, face set and expressionless.

With a sashay the servant leads you through darkly opulent rooms, fine pieces of furniture and art are scattered throughout the building. All in the best possible taste, though some of the marble statues require a second look. Past the ballrooms and up the grand stairs to the third floor and Paracountess Zarta's personal study. Unlike Salhar's rich estate this has a different feel, of items collected and held - with a keen eye to their aesthetics and value. Beneath the feet is a luxuriant carpet, a deep rouge and the building is at a perfect temperature.

KNOCK, KNOCK he knocks upon the stained panelled doors to the Chellaxian's study. After announcing his presence he pushes open the door.

A large, intricate crimson carpet dominates the marble floor in the study, a plush chaise reclines against the north wall and to the south east corner a desk spans. Behind this leather topped antique sits Paracountess Zarta, she looks up from her paperwork - regarding the Pathfinders with a wry smile.

Moving the paperwork to one side, she moves to the front of the desk revealing a long elegant gown with a plunging neck-line that almost meets the leg slit in the skirt section. Flicking her raven tresses alluringly across her alabaster features, she perches upon the desk. "Aldor, you are dismissed. Close the door behind you and attend your other tasks." she says in a throaty purr.

"Yes, mistress." he responds and tenderly closes the door behind him.

She then turns her attention to the group, looking at them with sensual, dark hungry eyes. "It's always so adorable when I see a bunch of fresh-faced batch of pathfinders. I mean, look at you scrumptious little tea cakes."
"I could eat each and every one of you up." punctuating every word by pointing the individuals; "Well maybe not you." Zarta points at Rook with her exquisitely manicured fingernail.

Raising her eyebrows and with a pout of her full lips she continues; "I assume this isn't a pleasure visit since most of you are terribly overdressed for that manner of occasion, so it must mean that you are here for that trinket Valsin has been nagging me about. Seems I can't get that man around these parts anymore." to emphasise her words, she gestures sliding her hand down the line of her body elegantly, producing a small gasp, and widening the gesture to sweep out across the room as if her home were merely a secondary thought. "On the good side, that means he always sends me new recruits." she smiles wickedly.

"Many think we in Cheliax service and worship devils, but that couldn't be further from the truth. In fact, we use the creatures for their power. They serve us and we sculpt their power in our own interests. The world must come to terms with things. People need to know their place and operate accordingly. It's the only way to make order from the world. Too many people stretch too far beyond their station making waves and eroding the true order." she pouts softly, trying to convince you of her argument.

"What a shame," Mai remarks cryptically, "But we are running rather late and must not fail Venture-Captain Valsin. May we have the item he sent us to retrieve, Paracountess Dralneen?" She puts a slight emphasis on Valsin's title.

You may use this thread to discuss build, backstory, Society questions, and all other OOC needs.

We will start the game when everyone has their characters finished up and posted.

Enjoy!

Dotting.

Link to character sheet

Guide to Organized Play

Additional resources allowed

EDIT: Added link #3!

Thank you Treppa. That's lovely, and dotting.

I'll have a little think about what to play. It's been a while since I had some armoured PC. Human male, though.

DougFungus Here!

This is what I have come up with for my character.

>.> not sure what I'm going to do yet *waits for other characters*

Dotting.

So I have a background for a Paladin/Cav; an interesting mage, I like clerics if we need more healing, or a weird barbarian (including witch & wiz levels).

Monk.

Summary thus far:

DougFungus - Inquisitor Corbyn Osric

Seirou - Cavalier (Unnamed)

Treppa - Monk (Unnamed)

DSXMachina: TBD

Meowselsworth : TBD

3 Melee and no casters? I think we have some gaps that need filling. A Rogue might be nice too?

I'll be either Cleric or Wiz/Witch.

I can switch to rogue easily enough if need be. Maybe Meows will play one.

Howdy people, anthropomorphic hand mirrors, and cats! I would be willing to be play a sorcerer, or a roguey type character! Too bad Kitsunes aren't legal...making a seven-tailed fox sorcerer would be just too awesome.

Also, don't worry too much about choosing your faction just yet. Your PCs will choose their factions at the end of First Steps #3 and all prestige is retroactively applied at that time to your faction.

What if I already those mine?

Bwahahaha.... So I'm going to be a Cleric or Paladin then, bow down before my pathetic healing powers ;p

Cure Light Wounds 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

What if I already those mine?

That's fine, your prestige just all applies at the end of the 3 modules rather than per module.

Also, if you create your char as an alias BEFORE you use the 'register a character' link under the Society tab, you'll have to re-enter your information, so don't delete the alias. ;)

Thank you for the information, honorable GM.

DougFungus Here

Ignore my above 3 posts with that Alias. This is my PFS Alias.

I usually favour rogues and bards, so I will likely do the rogue thing. I admit I am new to the forums in general, and haven't played PF games on them before, so I ask for patience and sometimes help. >_>

Don't worry Meowselsworth you are doing better than I.

Head + Wall = Ideas

So I've got it down to 3 choices (in order): Cleric of Shelyn, Cleric of Cayden Cailean, or Paladin of Shelyn.

All of them will be skill deficient, with average stats.

I have some nice ideas for a background, but will probably need to have an extra look in Golarion.

Domains: Shelyn Charm (Love) & Luck
or Cayden Travel (Exploration) & Charm (Love)?

Travel(Exploration) give + 10" move & lets me look through 3 doors per day!
Whilst luck allows a ally to pick the best out of 2 d20's for a round.

Feats: Shelyn - Selective & Extra Channelling
Cayden - Combat Expertise & Butterflys Sting (allowing him to pass a crit onto someone else)

Skills = Know(Nobility)
Diplomacy
Appraise
Acrobatics/Know

Native travel: Travel Domain
Granted Powers: You are an explorer and find enlightenment in the simple joy of travel, be it by foot or conveyance or magic. Increase your base speed by 10 feet.

Agile Feet (Su): As a free action, you can gain increased mobility for 1 round. For the next round, you ignore all difficult terrain and do not take any penalties for moving through it. You can use this ability a number of times per day equal to 3 + your Wisdom modifier.

Dimensional Hop (Sp): At 8th level, you can teleport up to 10 feet per cleric level per day as a move action. This teleportation must be used in 5-foot increments and such movement does not provoke attacks of opportunity. You must have line of sight to your destination to use this ability. You can bring other willing creatures with you, but you must expend an equal amount of distance for each creature brought.

This! I use it all the time.

Ah, damn the "Dimensional" feats don't apply to Dimensional Hop. That's too bad. I wish I could take all those feats for free with every character I make they are so awesome...

And Dim Hop <> Dim Door. You have to have line of sight. Still, for a cleric with heals and channels, Dim Hop is great!

And just to make life even more entertaining for you guys, don't forget to think about your character's motivations in becoming a member of the Pathfinder Society and how he or she washed up in Absalom. :)

GMSmashtag, always helpful!

Actually rather than Agile Feet I was thinking of replacing it with:

Door Sight (Su): You can lay your hand upon any surface and see what is on the other side, as if using clairvoyance. Using this power takes 1 minute, during which time you must be touching the surface you want to see through. You can keep looking for as long as 10 minutes with each use of this power, but must touch the surface and take no other action the entire time. The surface cannot be thicker than 6 inches plus 1 inch per cleric level you possess. You can use this power a number of times per day equal to 3 + your Wisdom modifier.

Of course you lose Longstrider for Expeditious Retreat.

But that'd be if I went for a rapier wielding acrobat type. Whom enjoys arranging marriages & trysts (and apparently watching them).

Wait, you want a backstory too? Aw, man. I just wanna roll some dice.

My Storm Born Sorcerer! Zappity-zap!

Still working on backstory. I really need to figure out the whole myth-weavers nonsense, lol. I haven't even been to the website yet.

Incidentally Hero Lab is a boon to unknowledgeables like myself. It completely made making this character easy primarily since it wouldn't stop telling me when I screwed up and needed to correct a choice. :P

I am Jace Mercier, your healér. At your service, how may a ease your payne. I have some reasonable vintage wine?

Incidentally Hero Lab is a boon to unknowledgeables like myself. It completely made making this character easy primarily since it wouldn't stop telling me when I screwed up and needed to correct a choice. :P

Unfortunately Hero Lab can come with a heafty price tag after you get all the supplements. Else I would have it already.

Unfortunately Hero Lab can come with a heafty price tag after you get all the supplements. Else I would have it already.

Truth!!

I have finally gotten my cavalier up! Behold! *cackles*

*Nickers and paws the ground twice with a toss of his head*

I am equipped and ready for Pathfinding.

Mechanically, I am fully equipped and able.

Tada.

I will get the initial gameplay post up tomorrow or the day after.

Once everyone gets a chance to get in a few posts in gameplay I will force story upon you.

Also, I am super excited and very much looking forward to this!

There are other horse avatars!

Am I the 'small one' he refers to?

LOL!

O.O Mr Ed? And while Turin is a murder horse....not so sure he's THAT murder horse...

Of course! Of course!

I'll scan and upload the map of the quarters in the a.m. for you guys. Didn't get a chance to do it today, apologies.

Just realized...Meowselsworth's alias Samara's name is showing purple not the green for PFS character. Will that prevent PFS credits?

How do you change it? :O

Meows, what you'll have to do before I send out the chronicle sheets is go My Account -> Pathfinder Society -> Edit -> Register a New Character and copy/pasta Samara over. It's the same problem Doug and Treppa ran into.

Don't worry about it for now. Just keep posting and playing and having fun. :) I'll give you a heads up when I'm about to start filling out the Chronicle sheets so you can get Samara ported.

Plod

Corbyn's height and weight came up in a discussion elsewhere. Since I never calculated it at the time of character creation I will do it now.

To determine a character's height, roll the modifier dice indicated on Table: Random Height and Weight and add the result, in inches, to the base height for your character's race and gender. To determine a character's weight, multiply the result of the modifier dice by the weight multiplier and add the result to the base weight for your character's race and gender.

Half-Orc Male:

Base Height: 4ft. 10 in. Base Weight: 150 lbs. Modifier: 2d12 Weight Multiplier: X7

Modifier Roll: 2d12 ⇒ (5, 1) = 6

It appears that Corbyn is quite small for a Half-Orc at 5'6" and 197 lbs.

Mai still looks up to him.