GMTrex's PFS [CORE] Destiny of the Sands Trilogy (Inactive)

Game Master Andrew Trexler

Gradually, the caravan approaches the gates behind the line of other travelers. A customs official comes down the line to greet Eben. "Heyyy Baraka, how's ya been? Got some guest travelers with me this time, plus the usual gaggle."

"Guest travelers, eh? Better give 'em their own inspection then. I'll take the rest over here."

"Whatever you say, Baraka!"

"Oi! Mahu! Get that lot, would you?"

A Garundi man approaches with a couple of guards carrying sawhorses. "These ones?" He points at the Pathfinders.

"Yeah, those."

"Alright then." The guards set up a makeshift table with the sawhorses in the sand.

"Okay then," Mahu says, addressing the party for the first time. His greying beard and tired eyes suggest he's seen and heard every excuse at least a dozen times over. "Procedure's real easy. Backpacks go here, I look at 'em. Any relics to declare, best declare them. I ask questions. You answer. No trouble, no trouble." He pauses a moment. "Alright then, who's first? How about you, with the pointy ears?" Mahu is unspecific.

"Where you all comin' from?" he asks, almost as an afterthought.

"A fine greetings to you, Kailun. I usually go by the name Charis. Call me whatever you wish, though."

At the inspector's line, The Maiden presents her backpack and equipment, waiting for join in when they mention the geode.

Lionel shuffles uncomfortably as the guards begin inspecting backpacks. "Uh, hey, there, guard people!", he nods, grinning. "Now, in tha bag ya're gonna find a big block of...uh... soap-like thing. Jus sayin' now, 'cause it sometimes get real confusin' when I have ta explain 'bout it. It's religious... thing.", he grins nervously, pointing towards his holy symbols. "An' for me, name's Lionel, an' I'm from Absalom. Here with those real nice folk, tha Pathfinders.", he says, patting his shirt. Man, I hope they don' ask about the weird rock thing..., he thinks as sweat covers his brow despite the spell.

Eveline presents her backpack along with all her weaponry, and her facial expression doesn't flinch even a little. She had given the geode half to Numair prior to the inspection, knowing the frail elf is much better with people than her. At least with words.

"We originate from Sothis," Eveline replies dully.

Approaching the table slowly, Kailun sets his small pack down, but not before removing his spellbook. When he meets Mahu's gaze, he explains as calmly as he can, "It's a spellbook. It contains spells. I would rather you didn't touch it, but ask any questions you like."

Mahu looks Kailun over for a moment with tired eyes. "Alright. Just flip through the pages for me, would you? Some smugglers like to hide artifacts in hollow books, you know..." He shakes the remaining contents of the elf's pack to see better towards the bottom, then moves on.

"Hmm, lots of weapons in this one... a mask... not a problem." Mahu closes up the Maiden's backpack and hands it back. "Some more here in this one... soap you say? Hmm." He hands Lionel his pack as well.

"Absalom, Sothis... here nor there. Pathfinders, very good, yes. Adventurers at any rate... What brings you to Eto?" Mahu asks mildly, taking up Eveline's gear, which he looks over with disinterest.

Numair gives the man a winning smile.

"We're hoping to meet a contact here, who can direct us to an interesting historical site. I don't suppose you would mind telling us where we could find The House of the White Uraeus?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 22.

If anyone wants to assist, I'll gladly take them ;-)

"The mask is purely sentimental." Charis hides her discomfort as the man examines her mask.

Upon hearing Numair, she chimes in. "I've never been to Eto, honestly. With the amount of artifacts found, I suppose you need to keep track of them all."

Diplomacy, Aid: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (19) + 0 = 19

"Yes. Everything must be recorded and taxed. No use to the Prince if your kind runs off with everything, no?" Mahu chuckles, more to himself than to anyone else. "Going digging, are you? Well just make sure you declare everything for inspection when you get back. What's that? House of the White Uraeus? Not sure myself. Is it a lodging? Sounds fancy, though, so you might try one of the wealthier districts." Gain a +2 bonus on Knowledge (Local) rolls to locate it.

The bureaucrat takes up Numair's gear last. "Hmm, this is curious..." he says, pulling out the geode half. He holds it up to the sun and inspects it closely. "Looks Osiriani in origin... not labeled... where did you get it?"

"Our employer gave it to us. It's a one-use magical device that will enable us to contact him when we have found the site we have been sent to look for. Rather nifty, don't you think?"

As far as I am aware, that is the truth, but if you want a Bluff check, I am happy to roll one :-)

"Mm. And where did your employer get it? Were you already in Osirion when your employer gave you this?"

A second Diplomacy roll will work fine. :)

Numair, are you wearing Lionel's hat? Because it's yours to keep, and he'll be slightly bummed if you don't.

Lionel scratches his now bared head and shrugs. "It's weird, is what it is! Don' real know much 'bout those artefacts. An' our bosses are tighta with their information than they are with their purses. Ya know what I mean.", he says to the guard, letting out another grin.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

Sure, I have no objection to wearing Lionel's hat ;-)

"Well, he did not specifically say, but he is a wizard, so I would not be surprised if he made it himself."

Diplomacy (Assist): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19.

Diplomacy, Aid: 1d20 ⇒ 8

The Maiden tries to speak up, but she coughs instead. She's not used to speaking to authority.

"I suppose that is possible... though unlikely," Mahu says slowly, still inspecting the stone. "Well, finds like this rarely come alone. I will give you the benefit of the doubt and waive the tariff just this once." He straightens and hands it back to Numair.

"Off through the gates you go, then." As the guards pick up the sawhorses and Mahu turns to his next task, he calls dully over his shoulder, "Have a pleasant stay... I will be here if you need anything..."

Numair nods and smiles at Mahu.

"Thanks! We'll be sure to keep you in mind if we have any further questions. I hope that you have a reasonable shift."

He then continues on into the city.

Diplomacy(Gather Information) - House of the White Uraeus: 'Take 10' = 22.

Pim breathes a sigh of relief that he didn't have to get involved in bluffing their way past the guards. He'd always been charming enough as a lad to convince adults that he wasn't causing trouble, even if he was some of the time - but he had no stomach for lying to a guard's face.

Once they're through the gates, Pimwrick happily joins Numair in asking for the location of The White Uraeus.

Diplomacy, Aid Numair : 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

"Such a reasonable man." The Maiden smiles. "Now, let's find The White Uraeus."

Knowledge(Local): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14

A 28 should suffice for a Tier 1-5 adventure :)

The House of the White Uraeus is a two-story, whitewashed stone structure located in one of Eto’s more upscale districts. A large brass plaque above its door depicts a snake with two 'necks' that split from its body, each with its own head. Inside, a half-orc seated in the atrium stares intently at the doorway, and stands as the Pathfinders approach. Looking them over, he grunts and waves a hand to follow before abruptly turning deeper into the facility, two startled servants in immaculately clean white robes quickly stepping out of his way.

Although its exterior is unassuming, the interior of the White Uraeus is richly decorated with panels of gold-veined marble and bubbling fountains in secluded courtyards. Cool breezes carry the scent of blooming desert flowers throughout the clean halls. The first half-orc twists silently through the facility and leads to two more half-orcs, who keep watch outside a set of closed doors. After a moment inspecting the visitors, they pull open the doors to reveal a tiled bathing chamber beyond.

"Welcome to Eto, Pathfinders," rasps Grandmaster Torch as he lounges in a steaming tub. "I didn't imagine we would meet again under such heart-warming circumstances, yet the White Uraeus certainly knows how to make a traveler comfortable. What can a humble secret monger such as I do for you?" he asks as he leans forward in the tub, flashes a knowing smile, and winks pointedly at Charis.

Numair grins, and bows.

"Greetings, Grandmaster Torch. Since you asked so politely, we would like the location of the Sage Jewels you have heard of, and then we won't bother you any further."

I shouldn't be surprised he knows me. Then again, I am one of his frequent customers.

"I know nothing comes free, Grandmaster. Name your price, please." She gives a polite bow.

"Indeed," Torch replies in a matter-of-fact tone. "I suspect it is Amenopheus who asks, not you, and Amenopheus may have overlooked the fact that he owed me several favors before I ever asked for his help. But I don’t mind extending a discount to repeat customers," he remarks with a rasping chuckle as he snaps his fingers to summon one of his bodyguards, who arrives carrying a folded piece of paper. "Let's see what's on today's schedule," he murmurs as he examines the paper's contents. "Yes, all of this will do. Consider this my price--all of these tasks completed to my satisfaction in return for what I know of the sages' jewels. Do we have a deal?"

He extends a wet hand out of the tub, offering the document for review. See Handout.

Eveline is more than glad that Numair handled the situation professionally and delicately, and that the officer was reasonable. Something she's not used to, knowing how greedy some people are. Possibly this particular man was paid properly, not leaving his children go hungry on a subpar salary. She joins the rest as they move on through the gates.

In the house, though, Eveline feels slightly disturbed. The familiar sight of half-orc bodyguards makes her feel uneasy, and the fact alone how Grandmaster Torch always resides in a steaming tub is unnerving. Still, she advances closer to examine the document.

"Doing your errands, eh?" Eveline says with a sour tone, "shouldn't be surprised, it is something even venture-captain Ambrus Valsin likes to do. Guess something from your days as a close associate of the Pathfinder Society stuck."

"I figure we are not really in a position to negotiate much about these conditions. I'm just glad to see a shadow after two weeks in the dunes. Care to slip us a few freebies about these names you've laid out on this?" she then asks from Torch, waving the document in her hand. "And are we in a hurry? I could really use a bath."

Kailun takes his turn reading the dripping document, then passes it on to the next Pathfinder. "None of these tasks should be a problem."

"Care to slip us a few freebies about these names you've laid out on this?"

"Not really," Torch smiles lightly, "but I can point you in the right direction. The first task should take you near the Sunrise gate. The third item can be completed not far from here. The final one you will have to track down yourself, as noted." Torch is careful not to say much out loud, for any wall can have ears.

Pimwrick reads over the list, shaking his head a bit as he does so. "A whole lot of sneaking and such," he comments, "but I suppose we've no choice. "

Eveline snorts. "Typical. So you'll trust our word when we come back and say the job's done?" Expecting a refusal, she quickly adds: "Thought as much."

Eveline then turns to Pim. She's still a bit taken aback by the height difference. "Guess that sneaking work falls down on either of us. Ideas?"

"Yeah, my idea is to let you do the sneaking," Pim says in response to Eveline, hanging his head a bit. "I've never been very good at it, and my ma always shouted at me when she caught me trying to get better. Which kind of tells you how bad I was."

"We thank you for your time, Grandmaster." The Maiden bows again. "I know of a particular Qadrian who wished to make contact with you. I can offer a means to contact him with, if you desire it."

"I'm certain someone like the Grandmaster here has ways of checking answers he is given. We will fulfill our end of the bargain, of course." She smiles.

---

After the deal is done, she nods to her allies. "If we leave the city to find that dry well, whatever we bring back will be inspected..." She frowns. "Maybe we can sweettalk our way out of trouble again."

"A certain Qadiran..." Torch considers slowly. "Yes, that might be desirable. If you can arrange matters at the Dancing Dunes without coming to blows--a difficult matter for you Pathfinders, I believe--then I would be willing to engage with your acquaintance."

Numair nods.

"Very well then; it would appear that we have an accord."

He then turns to the others.

"Come on - the day isn't getting any younger; let's get this stuff done..."

"Very well," says Torch, waving a hand to his guards to show the party out. "Come back when you have news..." He sinks back into the warm bathwater.

Where to first?

Start at the top, and work our way down?

Dplomacy(Gather Information): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24.

An assist would be great - I would love to crack DC 25, if we can ;-)

"So, what is our plan when we reach Mister Lozar? I suggest we find a way to distract him. I can be quiet, but I'm not good at slipping items discreetly."

Sleight of Hand is trained only, sadly. I have 10 ranks of Stealth but no Sleight of Hand.
Diplomacy, Aid: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (12) + 0 = 12

A half-orc guard shoves a small prayer book into Numair's hands as he leaves. The brown leather cover is clasped by a golden scarab that glints softly in the torchlight of the White Uraeus. Once outside, Numair quickly leads the Pathfinders to the Sunrise Gate and has no trouble locating the assembling caravan.

Feel free to discuss a plan prior to arriving. Additionally, on the way...

More than a dozen camels are tethered outside a large pavilion tent while a score of porters pack supplies for what looks to be a grand archaeological expedition. Crates of tools, coils of rope, and sacks of dried food lie in piles waiting to divided up among the beasts of burden. Within the sumptuously appointed pavilion, stacks of scrolls and hand-drawn maps lie strewn across a canopied bed. A tall, dark haired northerner with a thick eastern accent and persistent scowl supervises the storm of activity while checking over an inventory scrawled in a well-worn ledger. “Where are those amphorae of water? This expedition won’t last a week in the Pillars of the Sun without water!”

Numair waxes lyrical about what he found out.

"Word on the street is that the Osirionologist Ionacu Lozar is in a terrible rush to get his expedition underway, but he is exceedingly stingy and has no patience for haggling. As a result, the few merchants who are willing to do business with him are taking their time delivering supplies to his caravan’s marshaling area.

Something has the Hundredfingers gang spooked. The normally ubiquitous thieves have been avoiding the bazaar for a few days. They can normally be found in Beggar's Alley.

Madame Zelekhati recently began hiring more workers at the Dancing Dunes, though she sends away most who don’t have at least some elven blood. She is also a collector of magical dusts and always accepts them as payment for her house’s services or her artwork. Some say that’s the secret of her magnificent tranquility garden. It may even have given the sand life as one customer claims he saw the patterns shift of their own accord.

Lastly, I also heard an interesting rumour; an upcoming holy day of Sarenrae has people remembering how a cleric of the goddess tried to purge the land of evil over a hundred years ago; however, the ruins of the old city beyond the cliff walls still hide shrines to the old faiths, especially the serpent cult of Apep. The serpent god’s slithering children are blessed with the ability to go unnoticed by eyes accustomed to the Dawnflower’s light."

When the party arrives at the Sunrise Gate, he asks:

"How do we want to play this? I can try sweet-talking him into accepting the book, or we can try to hide it amongst his possessions."

"Perhaps both," Kailun interjects. "You can distract him while someone else plants the book."

"Do we have anyone who is skilled at sleight of hand...?"

Eveline shifts uncomfortably once back outside. "We aren't a bunch of thieves," she says, looking around the busy streets, "better to just give him the book, and convince him to keep it near him. Or if all else fails, just tell him to trade the book to some other caravan if he's out of coin."

Numair nods.

"Very well, then!"

He then moves over to the scholar, and, when the man is looking slightly less hen-pecked, interrupts.

"Hello good Sir! I represent a fellow Osirionologist (who wishes to remain anonymous) who has heard of you impending expedition to the Pillars of the Sun, and wanted to give you something that you might find useful - a prayer book dedicated to the Osiriani God Khepri."

He then reverently hands over the book to the man.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (14) + 12 = 26.
Bluff: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (18) + 11 = 29.

Charis looks for some amphorae of water to purchase. She's particularly interested in checking out the prices. In case the direct approach fails, she'll return to the Bazaar and buy the water as a distraction.

Actually, I needed a new check for the Diplomacy, Numair... oh well.

Numair's Gather Info: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18 Plus aids. Okay, so pretend you don't know the last bit about Sarenrae's holiday.

Lozar looks up from his ledger with a frown that quickly relaxes. "Oh," he says, taking the prayer book and flipping through it. "You don't look much like a follower of Khepri... how will this be useful, exactly? Does it describe rituals of importance? Do you know these rituals?"

Meanwhile, Charis searches for water. Most places seem to be selling for the (relatively) cheap price of 1 gp per amphora. However, the expidition will certainly need dozens.

Lionel nods quietly in the back as the others plan. Hearing the idea about sneaking the book in, he almost speaks, then stares at Eveline. Not havin' her shout at me again...

-----

Lionel grins at the busy man, casually standing behind Numair, waving at himself with his hand. If he don' look like one, I sure as hell don't! Hope he thinks of somethin., thoughts pass through the man's head as he looks around.

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

The Maiden tries to remember how Khepri's teachings could help, but all she comes up with is a terrible dicebot.

@GM Trex: I specifically rolled a gather information (which The Maiden assisted on (for a total of 26) - that's why I went with the 25 ;-) It was posted just before your 'Gather Information' post.

I took that as your Gather Info roll to locate Lozar, and saw it prior to posting myself. I would have described what you learned without spoilers otherwise. It might help if you include some OOC text on what you are trying to accomplish with a roll (ie looking for rumors/news or looking for Lozar) but it's no biggie.

Lozar continues turning pages absentmindedly and looks up, expecting a reply.

Ah, right.

Numair shakes his head.

"I never claimed to a worshipper of Khepri. I am afraid that I am just the messenger. That said, based on a cursory reading..."

Bluff: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18.
Bluff (GM Star re-roll): 1d20 + 11 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 11 + 5 = 26.

Eveline stays at the back, reclining against some wall in the shade.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

"Very well," Lozar shrugs, "I take it with me and peruse it when I have spare time. Now, if that is all..." he gestures to the chaos at hand and invites you to take your leave.

Success! Report to Torch or move on to the next item?

"Smooth talking, Numair," Eveline compliments. She's a bit upset everyone was eager to go out do the errands and not take a moment of rest to clean up after the arduous journey. But she's with pathfinders, it's only natural to be in a hurry all the time. She snatches the errand list and scans it through. "I wouldn't go back out there for two reasons. For one, the line outside was long, we'd have to wait needlessly if we were to come back to Eto. Secondly, it'll be a lot cooler once the sun goes down. This Dancing Dunes does intrigue me, though. What is that place? Could it be... egh, a brothel?"

Her enthusiasm dies down now. She glances at Lionel, then at Pimwrick.