GM Xzaral's PFS First Steps Part 3 (Inactive)

Game Master Xzaral

Opened in case you would like to Dot

Poke. Can I poke instead?

What you choose to do behind a spoiler is your business ;p

Dotting the dotable dot.

Dotted

The six of you are summoned to the heart of Skyreach to meet with Venture-Captain Drandle Dreng, a wiry old man with a wild gray beard and glinting eyes. He sits on a large plush bench next to a finely dressed and full-figured woman, who looks as though this meeting isn't worth her time. Drandle speaks up. "I'd like to introduce you all to Lady Gloriana Morilla." the woman tilts her head slightly in acknowledgement, but makes no other effort to greet you.

Dreng continues on. “Recently, a contact from the Low Azlanti embassy in Escadar approached us with an offer. It seems they have discovered a unique relic of Azlanti origin on the Inner Sea’s floor that we have a unique opportunity to add to our collection for study. In return, however, we must deliver one of our catalogued items to Escadar in exchange. The Low Azlanti drive a hard bargain, so we need you to escort a relics broker to Escadar so he can authenticate the Azlanti item and mediate a fair deal on the Ten’s behalf.

"I should warn you that the Society isn't the only ones after this relic. The Aspis Consortium has also tendered an offer, and the gillmen have agreed to accept it if we don't finalize our own agreement within 30 days. An Aspis warship patrols the waters outside Escadar, preventing us from arriving unmolested. However, Lady Gloriana and I have come up with a solution."

Lady Morilla stirs from her silence and speaks in a strong, demanding voice. “I have used some of the Empire of Taldor’s most skilled operatives to plant a false crew manifest and course plans with the harbormaster, ensuring that the Aspis Consortium spies who certainly keep an eye on such matters believe we are moving our relic to Escadar on a ship tomorrow morning. This decoy should occupy the Consortium sufficiently for you to travel overland to Escadar with plenty of time to make the final agreement with the gillmen before the Society’s window of opportunity runs out.”

Dreng continues next, "Head to the Siphons in the Puddles and speak with Grandmaster Torch. He will provide you with a route to Escadar. Afterwards meet with Nester Rees at this address. He's the appraiser you need to escort. Once there we have arranged lodgings for you at the Grindylow's Goblet. Send word to the Low Azlant embassy and watch over the negotiations. Do you have any questions?"

Seems a pretty clear escort and babysit.

"How long is the road to Escadar? Are any means of transport available to us, or must we travel on foot?"

Astarton takes the address and the rest of the information from Dreeg. "You can count on us to get him there safely. I am sure your plan will work quite well."

"Grandmaster Torch can answer your questions better than I, Daniel. And remember, all because it sounds easy doesn't mean there won't be unexpected hurdles. Can't plan for everything."

Indeed - we must be prepared for any surprises. Perhaps we should proceed to meet with Grandmaster Torch. I am anxious to hear more of our route.

Jericho bows to Venture-Captain Dreng and Lady Morilla and withdraws from the room. Once outside he waits for the others tojoin him befor heading for Grandmaster Torch.

Wuse stays quiet durring all this official buisness. He cant help but not really pay attenyion as his mind drifts to liquid dreams.

The Random Hand of fate shall decide: 1d100 ⇒ 65

As you all prepare to leave, Lady Gloriana holds out her hand to Daniel to aid her in rising. As Daniel pulls his hand back, he finds a note has been palmed to him.

You travel through the flooded streets of the puddles, finding your entrance into the siphons. A gruff half-orc guard grants you entry into Grandmaster Torch's audience chamber. Torch is a dark-haired man, covered in burns and sitting in a bathtub, two attendants continually pouring water over him. His half-orc bodyguards eye you continually as he speaks.

“Well met, Pathfinders. I see you have survived as the Decemvirate’s pawns thus far, and for that I commend you. This next task they have for you is more dangerous than the venture-captain may have told you, so let me give you a word of warning. I have made it my life’s work to ensure Pathfinder agents are given all the tools they need to return home from their myriad adventures, and this map is the tool I give you. Follow the directions on my map as strictly as you can. Deviate from this path and you may encounter challenges far beyond your abilities. Many would paint me and those who believe like I do as betrayers of the Society, but it is the corps of the organization that I am completely loyal to. Each and every one of you.

“If you believe you have been mistreated by the Ten or their representatives, don’t hesitate to let me know upon your return from Escadar. My network of agents and spies if vast, and I am a powerful ally to have on your side.

”Now be off. You have a long journey ahead of you. And remember, don’t deviate from this map—it’s designed to get you there and back safely!”

I'm going to take some liberty with Wuse's Background here, if It's too much or something happens because of it please chage what you like.

Talor is amused by Wuse Guy's side trip, but does not interfere.

After Grandmaster Torch is finished, Talor gives him a short bow: Thank you Grandmaster. If I may ask so that we are not caught unawares, what dangers await off the path?

Player's Handout 2

"All manners of creature could conceivably be encountered. The route I am providing, while I have not taken myself, I have on good word to have been used often enough to have little enough to worry about. I could spend weeks preparing you for anything you may encounter, but by then it will be too late. Try to stay on the path."

"Grandmaster, what do you know of the gillmen? They are obviously savages, but are they predisposed towards evil? Or are they simply forced to their harsh ways as means of survival when pressed by the civilized races?"

"The gillmen are people, each with their own goals and motivations with as much variety as you and us. I'm not certain where you have heard of their harsh ways, though they can be as brutal as any of us when pushed."

"I spoke not of them as individuals, but as a society. Humans are also diverse but there have been human kingdoms ruled by evil tyrants. But I guess my perception of their harsh ways was born out of prejudice. I shall find a way to atone for that."

"Thank you for your concern Grandmaster, we will be careful on our journey. We had best be on our way." Astarton didn't know what was going on in particular, but he was sure they were not intent on giving out more information than they were letting out, but someone was holding back something. He was sure of it. It seemed odd to him that there would be such amounts of intrigue in a society that purported the transparency of information.

Agreed, the sooner the better, this route brings us right by another favorite bar of mine. I'll have to be quick though lest I start a riot there. Don't exactly have the cleanest of tabs, he he. Hopefully the managers not in.

The actual bar visit can be glazed over of course

You all have ample opportunity to make any necessary purchases for your journey. Base on the map, the approximate distance is 108 miles, though you will be traversing some difficult terrain. Remember to take into account party travel speeds (for 20' and 30'). I'll put up the next post, but if there's anything you wish to purchase, please do so.

While preparing for the journy, you finally meet up with the appraiser, Nester Rees. He appears to be a man of Garundi descent. The first noticeable thing about the man is the limp with which he walks, and the cain he holds to support himself. "Greetings gentlemen. I am Nester Rees, appraiser for the Pathfinder Society. I have already prepared my belongings for the trip and will be ready to depart whenever you all are."

Eh, man is that bum leg going to be a problem. Noone mentioned anything about that, you sure you can walk the whole way. Do we need a cart?

"I assure you, I can keep up quite acceptably, though the concern is most appreciated. I would actually be more concerned about those of you in the heavier armor, and you good dwarf. While I'm sure you could walk much longer than I, you do poesses, how should I say this. A shorter stride if you will. I would be more than happy to acquire a few ponies for the expedition, to ensure we arrive in a timely fashion."

I will not stay in a saddle. I'm not tryin ta be diffucult here just saying it's physically impossible. Pehaps we should grab a lounging cart if I'm going to slow us down walking. Just big enough for me so it doesn't slow down the horse. Sorta wheelbarrow type thing. I'll just layabout on it so I don't slow you down.

"The choice is yours, but depending on the route, the mountains may be difficult to traverse in a wagon."

Well, looks like saddle it is then. Oh my arse hurts already.

"Aww, don't worry about that Wuse, we can always tie you in."

Astarton checks the route to see if they will be going through mountains.

Player's handout 2 above is a map. I'll relink it.

Player's Handout 2

The Cairnlands, a broken landscape of blood-salted earth and the ruins of countless failed assaults on Absalom’s walls, soon yields to open fields and fertile ground. Ahead, a vast forest covers the foothills of large range of snow-capped mountains. The well-trodden road soon ends at a tall wall of trees, signaling the end of civilization.

As you approach, a group of three centaurs can be seen coming over a hillrise nearby. One of their numbers, presumably the leader, calls out to you. "Hail travelers. I am called Urdel Thunderhoof. You travel far from Absalom. Perhaps I could have a moment?"

Astarton got more agitated the further into the wilds they went. All of this open land with who knows what behind every tree, it was unnerving. When they were approached by centaurs, he relaxed. At least they couldn't hide behind trees.

"If your moment is for some pleasant conversation or a bit of advice, I for one would welcome it. But sadly, a moment is all we can spare since we have a long way to go yet and we have need of a prompt arrival."

"So much the better for you that we speak then. My group are hunters, following the trail of a great cat in the area. It has threatened our food supply so we seek to deal with it. I would recommend you be wary."

Hello? Anyone still here?
Daniel salutes the noble creatures.
"Thank you for the information. We will be doubly watchful. Incidentally, which way are you pursuing it now?"

Yep, was actually going to send out a PM to everyone. Going to do that anyway, as this thread did the disappear thing on me.

Talor gazes into the trees, almost as though he expects the cat to burst through at any moment.

"We plan to travel west from here, hoping to find it's lair before returning to our village. Where does your group travel at this time?"

"Our path lies to the north, through the mountains. We would gladly assist you and make our own journey safer, but we still have a long way to go and cannot allow ourselves to be delayed. Unless you know how we could pass the mountains quicker?"
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

Wuse has spent most of his time trying to stay on his damnded horse. He hasn't had the time to take a drink in hours and you can tell it is effecting him heavily. He actually appears mildly sober. But not entirely nice at the moment. He has taken this opportunity to swig large amounts from his skin. Upon finishing he takes inventory of his surroundings. His face scrunches up as if trying to recall something.

Cat, you say...I hear cat is tasty.

Astarton smiles at the centaurs, which being rather tall themselves allowed him to look them in the eye while astride his horse. He tried to get a sense of the creatures even though he wasn't normally good at this kind of thing.

Sense Motive: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (6) - 1 = 5

Jericho watches the Centaurs with open interest. Magnificent creatures. Too bad we do not have the time to travel with them for a time.

"There is little we can tell you beyond our hunting grounds, but we would not have you go away empty handed." The centaur leader retrieves a handful of berries from a pouch and one of his longspears. "These berries have an enchantment placed upon them to make them a full meal, as well as to heal wounds. And this spear is well crafted by my tribesmen. I ask you please take care, friends."

You receive 8 goodberries (as the spell), 4 days duration. And a Masterwork Longspear.

"We must be off to continue the hunt. Good travels."

Unless someone wants to ask something more of them, the centaurs take their leave.

"We are in your debt, friends. Should you require our assistance, you can seek us out in the Absalom Pathfinder Lodge. Fare thee well and good hunting to you."
Daniel marches forward, his spirits lifted by the selfless kindness of the creatures.

As the centaurs leave, Nester remarks on the encounter. "You all handled yourselves well. I feel that I am in quite capable hands seeing that situation resolved. Though we should definitely press on."

Astarton spoke to Daniel as they rode off. "They seemed nice. I wouldn't want to invite them to a dinner party though. They are too tall to be comfortable in my place. That and I don't know if they are housebroken. My horse sure isn't. Although they are only half horse. But still, it's the wrong half for that sort of thing..."

Daniel allows himself to smile. "I'm not sure they would be excited to go under human roof and eat human food, anyway. They are closely bonded with the nature, and we are lucky to be treated so kindly by them. I prefer to think of it as a good omen."

The sound of running water echoes ahead, and several muted beams of light pierce the thick forest canopy. Soon the dense forest opens, revealing a river that blocks the way forward. A large felled tree trunk offers a way over the swift moving river. With the exception of the rushing sound of the water, an eerie silence pervades the area, as does the fresh smell of death.

Ahead of you, you all spy a deer carcass laying in the middle of the path ahead.

The Map Link

Here's the campaign for First Steps Part 3. At present first dibs will go to the group who participated in Part 2, which includes the following

Astarton Columbridge
Jericho Daskin
Daniel Von Dorn
Talor Blackstone
Amadeo Noskero
Wuse Guy

So far Astarton and Jericho have confirmed.

For anyone not listed above reading this and wondering, if I don't hear from any of the others, or they decide not to participate in Part 3, I will open a recruitment to replace back up to 6.

Dotting and adding to my RSS. I thought my post back in Part 2 discussion kinda implied that I'm going to continue; anyway, I'm confirming it now.

I thought so, but I try not to assume too much if I can (don't like removing the -ume part if I can help it, the dice gawds know I've done it enough).

So that gives three now.

Checking in and reporting for duty

I'm in. Probably will spend much of last session's funds on MORE BULLETS!

Aaaand... I'm here, too !

Hello, fellow Pathfinders !

I must re-acquaint myself with the buying rules of PFS, and then I'll tell you what I intend to acquire, GM Xzaral.

I will also be making a purchase or two once I read the appropriate section.

Looks like all 6 are back in again. When you have completed all purchases and are ready to continue, please make a post denoting this so I know when everyone's ready and I can get the first post up, please.

Im very clueless on pfs purchasing. I think wuse just wants more booze though.

I read the section on PFS items purchasing. That seems clear to me.

Well, for now, I have 444 gp, 9 sp, 9 cp in my pocket.

I buy 2 bags of caltrops (for 2 gp) and one grappling hook (1 gp).

So I have 441 gp, 9 sp and 9 cp left.

I make no other purchases for this scenario.

I'm ready to adventure !

All right, Pathfinder Society purchasing. Let's see if I can explain it Wuse Guy.

With each scenario completed, you get a certain amount of treasure listed on the chronicle sheet. For the one you received, it was 419gp. You can choose to save this money for bigger purchases later, or spend it on gear now.

When it comes to magic items, not everything is instantly available. The Guide lists always available items, which I've copied below

• All basic armor, gear, items, and weapons from Chapter 6 of the Core Rulebook, including Small and Large-sized items. This does not include equipment made from dragonhide, but it does include equipment made from the other special materials, such as alchemical silver and cold iron (see the Special Materials section on page 154 of the Core Rulebook). All mundane (completely nonmagical) weapons, armor, equipment, and alchemical gear found in any other source that is legal for play are considered always available.
• +1 weapons (2,000 gp + 300 for the masterwork weapon cost + item cost)
• +1 armor (1,000 gp + 150 for the masterwork armor cost + item cost)
• +1 shields (1,000 gp + 150 for the masterwork armor cost + item cost)
• Potions and oils of 0- or 1st-level spells at caster level 1st (50 gp or less)
• Scrolls of 0- or 1st-level spells at caster level 1st (50 gp or less)
• Wayfinder (50% discount—250 gp; see page 299 of The
Inner Sea World Guide)

Beyond those items, you need to either have the Fame to purchase an item, or you need to have it listed on a chronicle sheet. Their are specific rules in the guide for potions/wands/scrolls as well.

Any questions?

After consideration, Jericho is not going to purchase anything additional at this point.

Ready to Roll out.

In a dark corner of the Coins district, on a sparsely populated block where the very buidlings seem to give it a wide berth, sits a blackened shop called Bada Bang!

Talor saunters in and makes the following purchases:

10 paper cartridges....120gp
5 regular bullets........5gp
5 cold iron bullets.....10gp
5 silver bullets.......125gp
10 powder doses........100gp
1 powder horn............3gp
Grand total: 363gp

I am prepared, my friends.
Let's do this thing.

Status
Jericho - Ready
Talor - Ready
Daniel - Ready
Wuse Guy - ?????
Amadeo - Ready
Astarton - ?????

As soon as the last two are ready, I'll get us going.

I'm sorry GM Xzaral, but, after much thought, time considerations finally prevent me to commit to this game.

I wanted to thank you for the previous game, Xzaral, and wish you all a jolly good time playing this next opus :-). Hopefully, we'll meet again in play on these boards, when I'll have more time in my hands.

Cheers !

I will not really be able to spend the time necessary to purchase things until Monday morning. I apologize for this, but I am barely able to keep up with things right now as my vacation comes to a close. I will be ready about noon on Monday EST. If it is possible to get some of the role playing out of the way at the beginning of the module before I make the purchases, or if I can do it in game, that's cool because I really don't want nor do I like to make people wait.

Sorry to see you go Amadeo, was fun having you!

That's fine, Astarton. Still waiting on Wuse Guy as well. If he finishes up before you're done, I'll go ahead and get things rolling.

Ok i think Wuse is just going to get two potions, both alcohol based of course. I drank quite a bit so I'll fill up on those as well. Unless of course I can cover that with an Untrained Profession(drunk) day job roll...

1 Potion, Cure Light 50g
1 Potion, Mage Armor 50g
Booze 1g ish

Leaving me with 330 gold

Thanks Wuse Guy. With that I'll throw up the initial post to get things underway. Should be up shortly.

And initial post is up. Feel free to get your introductory RP on!

dunno if you noticed or not .. but amadero has stepped out of the adventure

I did indeed, but didn't think about it when writing the intro post. If you all would like, I could see about recruiting a sixth before things get too far underway. Majority rule (so three votes decides).

I'm fine either way.
Also I initially said Daniel will buy a heavy shield, but forgot that it incurs additional penalties when using it as a weapon, so I'll stick with the light shield, just add spikes.
Also Daniel will strive to donate 10% of his income to the church of Abadar, which makes 84 gp for the last two adventures.
In the end, he is left with 285gp.

I am ambivalent as well.

I am going to purchase:

Alchemical Silver Cestus- 21 gp
Acid Flask- 10 gp
2 Cold Iron Daggers- 4gp

Had 8
Got 419
Spent 35
Have 392gp

Okay, I also convinced myself that getting a masterwork Elven Curve Blade would be good. That costs 375gp, leaving me with 17.

I'll be throwing up the next post in a moment, but wanted to find out who will be around this weekend so I have an idea of how much I should continue forward. Being a holiday weekend (at least in America), I've seen a few people that wont' be around. If I see the same here, I might hold off pushing too much until next Tuesday.

Just let me know, please.

not going anywhere ...

I'm not in the US so I'll be here through the weekend.

Im here

I will likely be busy on Sunday and Monday. But I might be able to squeeze in a quick post somewhere in there.

I will not have a great deal of time to post Sunday or Monday, but should be able to get in at least one post on one or both of those days, if not more.

I realize I didn't specify, so quite possibly my fault, but was waiting to make sure everyone was ready before continuing on with the first encounter. It's been a few days since the last post though, so I'll assume everyone's ready and move the story along.

If anyone does still want anything from Absalom, let me know.

Oh, right. Well have we settled on the topic of transport? We also probably need a rope and grappling hook, some extra rations to last us a week, something to keep us warm at night (blankets? A tent?) and likely something else I haven't thought of. Anyone has a Wayfinder?

If anyone here is interested in running a campaign, I am in a Serpent's Skull campaign with pretty good players. We were about 3 weeks in and then the DM just switched the campaign to inactive and said he did not want to deal with the issues. Issues that we have all seen a dozen times on PbP. If anyone is interested, or know someone who wants to DM a Serpent's Skull campaign, please let me know.

Here is the OOC thread for the now inactive campaign.

Serpent's Skull

We have a mwangi elf wizard, a vanara ranger, a human cleric (me), and a human bard(archeologist). If someone wants to take over, we can play with 4 players, this group is decently balanced I think, or pick up 1-2 more.

As I said, we had only played for about a month, so very little has happened and we could easily restart if necessary.

Hour by hour makes sense to me, in a way that if somebody freezes after hour 1 he can snatch a blanket and keep warm for the rest of the night.

Daniel doesn't have survival, so he'll be relying on the fort saves. I propose we put Nester in the wagon, and start a fire. Daniel will try to go without a blanket for at least first 2 hours.

EDIT: by blankets I mean cold gear sets, I guess.

I think we may be boned.

Just a heads up that my PC decided to stop operating as normal today. I hope to get it up and running over the weekend (not 100% sure what's wrong, but I have a friend who knows abit). I can still post from my iPad, but I can't manipulate the battlemats that way, though I can see them. This shouldn't be too long (I hope!), but I'll see about continuing on.

PC is fixed, will resolve things in the morning. Head and keyboard keep getting closer and closer.

Sorry for the delay in updating. I am REALLY sorry on it. I don't know how I allowed it to go a week without doing so, but I did. I've updated gameply now.

Sorry I haven't managed to get things moving, but this holiday has been busier than I thought. Managed a few small posts here and there, but might not get combat pushed ahead until Monday. Just giving a heads up.

Also awaiting revised action from Daniel, and action from Talor for round 2. Not highly pressing as of this moment, but just giving a reminder.

So hectic holidays plus two birthdays makes for a busy weekend.

So the good news!! I'm about to post an update (Finally, right?).

Bad news!! Yesterday my brother fell off a roof, dangled from a ladder, then fell on his head onto some concrete. He's fine now, released from the hospital and all that. No permanent damage. But pretty scary yesterday. Of course I now get to tell him he survived a 1d6 damage fall after failing his acrobatics check (he's not a gamer, so really doesn't get it, but hey I get to laugh at him about it).

And just to top things off today, had to replace the battery in my van.

So I hope everyone had a much better Thanksgiving weekend than I did ;p

Wow, Xmas is over! Gotta say this has been a draining one for me. Hope everyone had a good holiday season (for those who celebrate).

Looking over my PBPs this morning, I realize it's been a bigger interruption than I thought it would be. So going through and apologizing to all my games for the somewhat unexplained absence and getting updates in as applicable.

I actually managed an update in here, so it's not too bad at least for this game.

I am loving this encounter, what with one dwarf shooting blind, another behind the bar looting it for all he's worth, and our lovesick bard who can't bring himself to off one of the bad guys (yet). Good times!

With that, the adventure is over. I'll work on getting the chronicle's up and sent out by tonight. I hope everyone had fun. I know there were some lengthy breaks between posts on my part and I apologize for that.

At this point everyone also can select a faction. If everyone can post their faction and a day job roll (or stated no day job roll) so I can get that for tonight, it would be appreciated.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Profession Comedy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

Poor guy, I guess his heart isn't into comedy anymore. Oh well.

Thanks GM Xzaral for everything. I really enjoyed experiencing PFS play with all you guys.

Craft (alchemy): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

Talor will stick with Grand Lodge.

Thanks to all, with special thanks to our GM. I had a great time with everyone.

Um Profession(drunk) 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

I'll stick with my Faction.

THis has definitely been fun.

Chronic-(what)-cle sheet received. Thanks again.

Glad to hear it. And np.

Hey Xzaral - assuming that everyone has completed all of their paperwork, do you mind setting this campaign to inactive?

It would help the OCD gremlin who constantly bothers me to keep my campaigns tab tidy.

TIA.