GM Volandis' Emerald Spire 2 (Inactive)

Game Master Luthor Volandis

Placeholder for group 2. Invite only.

Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin has summoned you to his office in the Grand Lodge in Absalom where he imparts upon you your current mission for the Pathfinder Society. “The Decemvirate has decreed that The Pathfinder Society need to explore more of Golarion’s forgotten ruins to gather knowledge on these ancient sites. One such ruin is The Emerald Spire, a structure believed to be Azlanti in origin located in The River Kingdoms.”

The venture captain gestures to a map spread out on the desk in front of him showing the River Kingdoms with a couple of pins in the north-west near a wooded area labeled as Echo Wood.

“However, before we can begin our survey of the Spire you’ll have to meet with Lady Commander Audara Drovust, a paralictor in the Hellknight Order of the Pike. She is in charge of Fort Inevitable, the nearest secure place where we can set up a base of operations, and we’ll need to keep her happy if we want to send Pathfinders on missions right on her doorstep. We have negotiated to obtain a letter of warrant from the Lady Commander that will give us permission to survey the ruins surrounding the Emerald Spire and delve the deeper areas rumoured to exist below them. The deal is already agreed and funds will be provided to cover the purchase of this warrant, but you will need to make the final trade before you can head for the Emerald Spire. Make your final preparations Pathfinders, then be back here tomorrow morning to join the caravan heading for the River Kingdoms.”

Apart from taking turns on watch and helping out with the usual travel and camping tasks your journey north to the River Kingdoms is an uneventful one. With all supplies and costs covered by The Pathfinder Society it's also one that leaves your purse strings untouched, unless you decide to buy a few drinks at one of the many tavern stop overs during the journey.

During the journey you have plenty of time to get to know your fellow Pathfinders.

Feel free to introduce yourselves!

Romulus is a grizzled old man, but despite that is never without cheer or praise for his fellows. He often taps his drum on the marches to help with the pace and to give his fellows something to listen to as his gravelly voice chants out marching songs from different armies. Always kind and helpful, Romulus is the first to offer to help start the evening cook fire, or to help with, well, really anything. The man seems to thrive on being able to help get tasks done, though a few notice his predilection for helping others complete their tasks rather than doing his own. When the topic of histories is broached, he shrugs.

Ex-military... and before you ask, pretty much all of them. I kept time on the marches, and helped folks get to and from battlefields. I mostly just tried to keep as many of them alive as possible. Covering fire for those trying to run away, emergency bandages, the occasional healing spell, you get the idea. The dying don't much care what uniform you're wearing, and I didn't have much allegiance to any particular country, so I got... passed around by winning commanders as it where. If my side was about to lose, grab some poor dead man's uniform and march to the next place. To many close calls though, finally decided to get out, and a pathfinder lodge nearby offered me shelter in return for my expertise... and here I am.

The young Chelaxian woman with bright red hair and green eyes arrives. Her skirts and bodices are black and red and she has a twinkle in her eye. She hold in her hand a little reptilian creature, about the size of chicken and she pets and caresses it, talking to it. She nods at the older man. I am Heccuba and this, she says holding up the creature This is Book

Romulus leans forward and gives a smile.

Nice to meet you Heccuba... you to Book. Full name is Romulus Arrowsong. Romulus is fine though, don't stand much on titles.

Sanite moves along with the group at a slow, steady pace. He rarely talked but when he did, it was surprisingly soft for something that akin to a walking statue. He was "quick" to rise and preferred to move into the front of the pack and lead, mostly so that he could set the pace for he sadly was very slow thanks to his height and build.

He preferred to take one of the later shifts, for his visage did well to help him appear even more like a statue.

He listed to the introductions on their first day, staying perfectly still before eventually speaking up. "I am Sanite, son of the Mountains of the Five Kings. I am no one important, a traveler of the wilds and nothing more. Though I suppose I am capable of handling myself in a fight and more so in the wilds." he said staring for a few minutes almost seeming to not pay attention for a while.

Well I do say! This is quite an interesting lot of characters Venture-Captain Ambrus, has put together! Belmir claps his hands and rubs them together over the camp fire. We have an Oread! Interesting start to a group if we stopped right there! Belmir smiles at the huge man. No offense sir, I just mean to say your race is not a common sight in the grand cities of the Inner Seas. Though I'd very much like to, get to know you.. as our journey progresses. Belmir looks hopeful at the notion.

Belmir moves to the nearby mess wagon and set a kettle on the fire. Now let's see where was I? Belmir looks up to see Dasus walking toward's camp, Ah!...yes! Our not so savage 1/2 Orc companion. A Holy Warrior if I'm not mistaken? I say so because I've seen you in morning prayer and devotions these last few weeks. Although, I failed to pay attention to what God or Goddess you serve...pray thee...do tell us all about your faith good sir? Belmir's inquisitive mind had already lead him to several conclusions about the 1/2 Orc and his faith. Belmir just found this an opportune time, to confirm his deductions.

Let's not forget our human friends! Belmir turns towards Hallbjorn. Numerian if I'm not mistaken? Some of your tattoos are reminiscent of a noble person I met from that land once. Your stoic manor also reflects his nature.. Belmir then looks at Heccuba, Chelish, there's little doubt about that accent. But, it seems you haven't been there in some time? Your accent has faded and mixed with several dialects. Pray, what city or place do you derive from in Cheliax? Finally, Belmir directs his attention to Romulus, You my friend are a bit of a mystery. It seems like your Chelish cousin, you've traveled a fair bit, and I'm unable to place your accent....though I shouldn't be surprised, given your profession!
Belmir looks expectantly at all his companions faces. Drinking in their replies like a thirsty man would water.

Belmir finishes his display of knowledge with a bit of humble reveal of his own beginnings. My people and clan, are originally from the sky citadel of Janderhoff. My father was a scholar and my mother an emissary. A little over 60 years ago they were both sent on a diplomatic mission to Absalom. After several years of traveling back and forth between Janderhoff and The city at the center of the world, my parents decided to settle in Absalom. A few years later, I came along. Belmir waves his hand dismissively in front of the air when speaking of himself. So you see my friends there's really nothing special about me. My marks at the academy were sufficient..but, by no means spectacular! Belmir's face reddens at that last statement. I joined the Society because I wanted to see a bit of the world.... Belmir looks down at the ground, clearly at ease when talking about any subject but himself. Anyway...as I said...nothing special about me..

"I am Hallbjorn," the quiet muscular Kellid announced himself. "We are traveling near my homeland, though I suspect my skill with weapons will be more use to our warband."

Hallbjorn spent the journey north in quiet contemplation. He and Sanite grew closer perhaps, as the warrior codes and gestures could communicate much by saying little. Hallbjorn was not especially bright, even for a Kellid, but he was friendly and appeared to know his way around a blade.

Romulus grins as Belmire speaks. He likes the boisterous dwarf already.

Little bit of a mixed mutt as it where. Father was Andoran, Mother was Varisian, never got the chance to get my blues before I shipped out, so it doesn't mean much, and I've been marching since I was a wee lad... kids make better drummers than adults most times. Never did pick up a proper accent, though I can fake most of them passably if need be.

He throws back some ale and grins at the tale.

The sky citadel eh? Heard some tales about that from the others back at the lodge. Impressive stuff. No formal schooling for me, so your marks are already better than mine by default I'd wager.

The Chelaxian replies I am from the capital. This is the first time tht I have been out side of my homeland.

Dasus steps over to sit down by the fire, taking a moment to warm his hands. He looks young, not yet 20, and at least so far there has usually been a smile on his greenish face. His tusks look to be exceptionally sharp, and he has a tattoo on the side of his neck depicting The Glyph of the Open Road.

The half orc looks up to the others, and smiles to Belmir’s question. “You are not mistaken! I am a follower of Apsu. The Waybringer.”

Dasus nods, then, to the next question. “All about? Apsu is the father of the dragon gods, and dragonkind in general. The world, really, if you get down to it.” He laughs, and says, “I could go on for hours about my faith, but suffice to say that he is a god of peace and travel, but he is still a dragon. He won’t stand by and let evil continue. Even when that evil is his own son, Dahak.” When he says that last name, his voice is filled with disgust. But, then he shrugs it off, and he’s smiling again.

“My job is to travel the world, stopping evil where I find it, especially the servants of Dahak. Also, to teach people how to protect themselves, to prepare for the final battle between Apsu and Dahak. I joined the society because it would let me do all that, and learn about the world in the process.”

His attention moves to the others, as he listens to the conversation. “It sounds like many of you have already travelled quite far. I grew up in Absalom, and this is my first time leaving it. I can’t wait to see the places I’ve read about in the Chronicles.”

As the river ferry crosses the Kallas Lake, speaks to the crew gathered on the deck as the sun set. Always deathly quiet, the cold river wind blowing across the lake releases low rhythmic and flowing tones of the Hallit tongue. Rhy out the quiet Kellid. He has passed through a veil that lifts his silence. He is at home now.

He points up and down the river, and points. He is confident, nodding to his team. "Ka-Varn" he speaks as he taps his chest.

He looks to Dasus and clenches his fist, the words sounding both martial and spiritual. He nods to the rest of the Pathfinders with a beaming grin no one had seen before, all while gesturing up and down the River. His hand is open this time with a longing gaze.

Spoils, and glory! he finishes his speech in Taldane.

Romulus lifts his cup.

Spoils and Glory indeed.

She watches what transpires, a smile on her face.

As the journey continues, Dasus takes it in every new sight with interest, enjoying the travels while it remains peaceful. His only real moments when he isn't looking at the land they travel through are his moments of prayer.

On the ferry, Dasus leans against the railing, though he stares at Ka-Varn in uncomprehending confusion for most of the speech, but smiles as he adds those last three words. He gives a firm nod, and adds, "And evil vanquished!"

He laughs, but then looks out over the water again, and comments, "I wonder what we'll find in the Spire?"

Edit: Oops, forgot the bolds. Fixed!

The witch spends time with her Book, making sure he is taken care of. She watches the rest of the group but isnt too talkative unless approached.

Belmir quietly watches the water pass beneath the bow of the boat. Anticipation growing in his heart, of the test that are sure to come.

Sanite listens quietly and nods where he feels it appropriate, albeit a little late.

As the time passes and the talk turns to the Spire, Sanite pauses for a bit. "Stone...and challenges." he says simply before going back to his almost statue like stillness.

The little dinosaur runs up to hte oread and sniffs him. Chirping he runs back.

You're still a few days away from Fort Inevitable and have set up camp just off the Crusader Road. The caravan leader, a Varisian who goes by the name Volar, comes over to speak with you all.

"I was given a couple of items to keep safe for you. The venture captain said you'd need them when you met with Commander Drovust." he says as he hands over a small chest that jingles with the sound of coins and a letter sealed with wax and stamped with the symbol of the open road.

"Rather you than me in that meeting. I'm not sure I like the idea of setting up a supply route under a Hellknight. The rules and regulations they come up with are efficient enough but I don't care for how heartlessly they're enforced. Have any of you had dealings with Hellknights before?"

Romulus grins.

I think I was wanted for desertion for a while in one of my aliases... that guy died at the battle of the forked twin however, so they shouldn't have any problem with me now.

He lets out a low chuckle.

Personally? I love striking deals with hell knights. They'd rather die than break it... sometimes literally. Catch is to hold yourself to the same letter of the law, and realize that if your gonna fudge the rules, might as well break them over a knee, cause they won't see the difference.

"Hell. Knight." Hallbjorn speaks with a smirk. He babbles to himself in the language of the north before laughing heartily again.

Dasus looks up to Volar, as he approaches, giving a friendly smile. The smile vanishes, though, as the other man speaks. He shakes his head, and says, "I've never met one before. I don't like the sound of them, though. I'm all for following the rules, but 'heartless' is never a good thing, especially when it comes to someone in power."

"Holding yourself to your word," he adds, glancing to Romulus, though smiling a bit now, "is always, generally speaking, a good idea."

He looks up to the others again, and says, "I just think compassion is, as well. From what you say, it sounds like these Hellknights don't agree."

Of course I am from Cheliax. They bring honor to my land and help defend it against foes both in and out. she responds.

Sanite nods at the others words "I have stuck close to the mountains and only entered Dwarven cities and Dwarven quarters. It leans less to staring and pitchforks. Honestly, I have told some villagers they would do better to use Pickaxes. They did not share my humor."

I've heard of um' of coarse! Belmir pipes in; But, never hand any dealings with their kind, *chortle*....That's for sure! Belmir laughs at the joke only he thinks is funny.

Dasus does grin at Sanite's joke, not laughing like Belmiir but, at least, seeming to get the humour. He looks back to Heccuba, and says, "I don't know much about Cheliax. Is it threatened a lot, to need such severe protection?"

Romulus shakes his head, a sad frown.

Sorta? Place is infested with devils and devil worshipers. Their queen and all her house are followers of Asmodous to. Hell knights where around before they came into power, but the position hasn't improved their disposition according to the stories.

"Well whatever your personal feelings on these hellknights we're all going to have to work under them for a while. Fort Inevitable is completely under their control so if the Pathfinder Society want to explore the Emerald Spire we'll have to 'play by their rules' as it were." says Volar with a shrug of resignation.

"Once we get to the town i'll leave you lot to deal with the commander while we set up a base of operations for the Society. We've arranged to hire out barracks within town. I wonder if the venture captain had any reservations with 'making a deal with a devil'?" says Volar, chuckling slightly at his own joke.

The kingdom was able to feel and experience its full potential under House Thrune and the Lord of Hell she says with a tone of respect.

Romulus nods at Heccuba.

Suppose it's better than the civil war that was going on. Better deal than the poor bastards in Nidal got at least. Welp, let's go talk to Sir Stick-up-his-bum and get things sorted out. Sooner we get to finding treasure, sooner I'll be a happy man.

We need to approach the Defenders of the Realm with the upmost of respect. she adds.

Dasus looks rather disturbed at the description of Cheliax politics, opening his mouth to say something but then stopping as Romulus mentions the civil war. Finally, he says, "There had to be another alternative."

But, they have business to do. He nods to Romulus, but corrects, "She. The venture captain said the person we were meeting was a woman. But yeah, let's see what we need to do."

The Chelaxian nods.

Bemir remains quiet and observant through the whole business. Best to watch your tongue around those from Cheliax .....Those who'd make contracts with Devils, must have some practice at manipulating the words of others.....

Hallbjorn plodded along with a smile as the group talked back and forth, pleased with the seemingly increased comradery. In broken Taldane, he muses aloud to the group.

"Hellknights are strong. Cheliax is strong. We are in north now. Here, Ka-Varn is strong. Hallbjorn must become strong." He points up the road in response to puzzled looks.

Book flits around Heccuba, chasing insects, chomping them and then runs back to her.

As predicted it's only a couple more days of travel until you reach Fort Inevitable.

The caravan leader explains who you all are and why you're here to the hellknight gate guards. You make your way in through the town walls and follow the directions you were given to the Commander's Citadel, a hexagonal tower built into the town wall that stands almost 100 feet tall.

You hand the sealed letter and the small chest to the half-orc castellan and he leaves you to wait in a side room as he tells you "The Lady Commander is busy dealing with town business right now. Wait here and she will see you when she is free."

After a wait that seems to last forever you finally are collected by the commander's chamberlain, a well dressed middle aged human of clearly Chelaxian blood.

"Leave your packs and all weapons in this room, you may collect them after you have met the the Lady Commander." It's very clear this is an instruction and certainly not a request. Once you have all complied he then says, "Follow me, please. And try not to wander off, the tower guards have no tolerance for visitors who cannot follow simple instructions."

The Commander's meeting room is the largest room in the citadel and is decorated with hellknight banners, beast trophies, armour stands and ornate weapon displays. It's quite an intimidating sight that is obviously designed to put the commander's visitors on the back foot.

The lady commander is seated on a large chair at the end of the hall. She watches you all walk down the length of the room. She has a look on her face like you're all barely important enough for her to meet with you.

She looks over each of you in turn, lingering just long enough to make you feel awkward. Once she is done she finally decides to talk."So you are the representative's that your Pathfinder Society has sent, then? I hope your skills are greater than they appear. Your society has a bad reputation back in Cheliax. You are known to interfere in things that do not concern you, which is something that I will not tolerate here in MY town. Your Venture-captain Valsin has already agreed to the terms by which you will be allowed to stay in this town and us it as a base of operations. You will follow these rules or you will be arrested. Do you understand?"

As they enter the Chelaxian will bow her head in greeting.

Of coarse captain. We're honored that you've allowed us to stay. We will adhere to the Hell-knights rule of this fort, as per our agreement. Is there anything else you require of us? Belmir waits for the captain's response before continuing.
diplomacy aid Heccuba: 1d20 ⇒ 11

Romulus snaps off a smart Chelaxian salute and nods.

Yes Dame Commander. No intention on breaking any rules, laws, by-laws, or any such thing while under Hellknight jurisdiction Dame Commander.

He sounds very much like a Chelaxian, even if the accent is a little rough and hard to place WHERE in Cheliax exactly.

We'll set up base camp and get to doing what we do best Dame Commander, Digging where smarter folk know better not to.

He gives a smile to the commander and gives a little bound.

We, as always, will be most grateful for your shelter over our heads.

diplomacy: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16

Hallbjorn waits patiently, showing a bit of irritation when he is asked to leave his weapon. He follows the groups escort in silence to the meeting room. The heads of the various hunting trophies decorating the halls, but the unused armors and weapons make him chuckle.

He stares back at the armored woman, impressed at her attempt to intimidate him. He looks to his companions, nodding when the respond affirmatively.

"No trouble," he answers simply when the Commander looks to him for an answer.

Dasus obediently sets down his axes, shield, and pack in a small room, and follows after the Chamberlain. He looks openly impressed as he looks around at the display of arms and armour in the meeting room, but soon he turns his attention back to the Hellknight, and he gives a deep bow.

"I'm afraid we weren't, yet, given the specifics of your laws. However, while I can speak only for myself, I promise to follow your laws to the best of my ability as a Paladin of Apsu." He says this is diplomatically as he can, but the point should be clear: Apsu's laws come first should any of hers conflict with them.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

Sanite nods simply at the Lady Commanders words. He didn't wish to say anymore than was required when dealing with the "Devils of Cheliax" lest his words got contorted and used against him later.

Hey, show Cheliax some love

Romulus winces at the paladin, but hopes that the hellknight will appreciate his devotion to law. He coughs as a distraction and speaks up.
So, Dame Commander, are their any specific laws we should be made aware of to govern our behavior beyond the normal "Don't cause problems" kind? And if not, I think we're all eager to get started and to at least set up a base camp at the spire, if you'd direct us.

Is there a place where one who studies the arcane might be able to look for goods? A shop perhaps she inquires.

"Our laws are very simple. They are the laws of the River Kingdoms with one adjustment to bring things in line with Chelaxian slavery laws. My castellan will provide you with a copy of the laws as your society seems to have forgotten to do so." says Lady Audara. She nods towards the man who immediately leaves the room.

"I'm glad to see that your society did not forget the financial terms of our agreement, otherwise I would not have allowed this meeting to waste any of my precious time. There was a fee of 50 gold for the letter of warrant to explore in my lands, and the deposit of 1000g towards the upkeep of the barracks your society is hiring from the town. Also please note that all treasures, valuables and items recovered will be subject to 30% tax. All items recovered must be itemized and recorded by your base camp at the barracks so that this payment can be taken."

"Heccuba, so you are a daughter of Cheliax. The society must have chosen you on purpose to make this meeting go better. Well to answer your question, yes, there are various shops in town where items can be purchased if needed. There will also be regular supply caravans coming and going from the other Pathfinder Lodges nearby to keep you supplied."

The lady commander pauses a moment before adding, "If you have any additional questions please arrange a meeting with my castellan and he will assist you. If you don't mind i have lots of work to do. You may leave now."

A slight GM aside. I've assumed the 30% tax was already allowed for or just ignored for the PFS version of Emerald Spire. Most of this meeting is just for RP purposes to help set up the area near the spire. The sanctioned sections are all within the dungeon levels of the spire.

Thank you for your guidance Lady Commander Audara she remarks.

Eager to get his iron back into his hands, Hallbjorn bows slightly and returns to where the group left their belongings. As he begins rearming himself, he speaks boisterously to himself in his northern tongue.

Looking finally to his puzzled companions, he adresses them in Taldane: "Eat. Sleep. Spire."