Granta's Long Campaign (Inactive)

Game Master Granta

Forvenniel blinks at the students.

"Do you know the professor?" she asks.

"I think there is a little bird stuck up in his gutter."

bluff aid: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14

Sejiri looks rather taken aback that his allies would so readily resort to lies, especially when the truth would work just as well. "Look, we simply wish to talk to Professor Fimbrik. It's about an acquaintance of his, nothing more."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

The students stare at Fimbrik's stack of newspapers for a few moments, then look a little sheepish.

"Oh yeah, I guess . . . uh, well that's awfully nice of you to help him out. I hope he can help you with his acquaintance."

They watch Forvenniel clamber up onto the roof, then stumble away a minute later.

Up top, Forvenniel finds an area of the room that must have been damaged in a storm, and looks relatively easy to breakthrough.

"The moon sees a way in" she calls down.

"But stronger hands than mine may be required."

She has a go at seeing if she can get in without damaging the roof unduly.

What is the moon telling her now? We all have callings in life, but I've never heard a thing about the moon. Much less it telling people to climb onto roofs!

Norril watches the situation unfold, simultaneously worried yet amused at the sight.

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Not much to add here, it seems to be going well!

@Forvenniel: You'll have to bash a hole in the roof to get in that way. There's no chimney or anything else like that.

"Alas, I was mistaken." sighs the elf.

"There is a damaged area up here. Perhaps one of you strong types could inspect it for rot?" she calls down.

"Well, glad that worked out." Zevryn says, smiling as he waves the students on.

Trotting back to where Forvenniel and her moon sit on the roof he looks up and frowns.

"Strong types, eh? Well that rules me out, I'm more squirrely, I suppose. Do you have any rope on you? To secure yourself, in case there is rot and the roof caves?"

He looks toward the window again, wondering how the gnome could be so oblivious to have not noticed any of them yet. "Maybe these newspapers are all lying here just because he doesn't even realize they've piled up."

Zev starts pulling newspapers out of the thin slot on at the base of the door and piles them neatly at his feet. Once the slot is clear he holds the mail flap open and summons dancing lights, sending them through the hole, he moves to the window Kembe saw Fimbrick and directs the lights to circle around the gnome where he sits reading in his chair, hoping to catch the gnomes attention.

Zevryn finds the living room lit by the bluish glow of everburning torches, same as the room where Fimbrik is reading. Unfortunately, the door into that room must be closed, because the sorcerer is unable to send his spell that far.

Kembe looks up at Forvenniel on the roof and frowns a bit "There is no way I'm going up there to kick a hole in the poor man's roof. If you think there's enough reasonable evidence the man is in trouble, or maybe we just really need to speak to him, then we can maybe find someone like a town guard to let us in?"

With a sigh Forvenniel looks for a convenient way down. A drainpipe maybe.

"Maybe the campus office can help us?" she suggests.

Zevryn sees the locked door and frowns in thought.

"This is frustrating." He grumbles, peering through the mail slot at the room ahead of them. "He might be our only living lead and he's just sitting in his chair ignoring us."

Zevryn walks around the left side of the house and peers through the nearest window to see if the left room is closed as well, if it isn't he'll direct his lights in there instead. If it is, he'll dismiss them.

Forvenniel, once she has climbed down goes over to the window and raps on it loudly. Very loudly.

She then, if he continues to ignore her, circles the house to the right looking in the other windows as she goes, wondering if any are open.

Forvenniel reaches the ground safely, but doesn't get any response from Fimbrik or find any unlocked windows. And Zevryn has no success either; all of the doors must be closed.

Do you wish to seek legal help, illegal help, or manipulate Sejiri out of the way and break in yourselves?

"The moon looks down on the campus and sees students aplenty. Were she to see us breaking in... so likely would the students." surmises the priest.

"Let us seek out the campus authorities. It may be the professor is possessed. To be reading when the papers are blocked up at the door.."

"You are wise Forvenniel, let's see if the campus authorities can let us in. The Professor is behaving very strangely, he may need our help before answering any questions we have." What a strange day...

________
Let's talk to the authorities. I can't think of another way without putting Kembe/Sejiri in a bind.

"Fair enough I suppose." Zev says, casting one last dirty look toward the gnome after he comes back from the window he was peering into.

"We can see if Sejiri's honest approach can get us in through the door, if not we'd best follow a different lead."

"Sounds like a plan," Sejiri says, looking a bit more furtive than usual. "Sorry to put you all through this. Rarely the easiest way, working honestly and in the realm of the law. But it pays off, don't you worry."

Yeah, sorry about this, guys, all the paladin stuff. I'm sure we'll work past it, though.

Who would want to love life with such harsh restrictions? I'm all for doing the right thing, but how can you do that with all the rules?

Norril walks with the group to find someone to let them in.

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Don't feel bad! I've never played a/with a paladin when shady things had to be done, so I'm not used to thinking around locked doors and the like. All the times I've played this scenario, we always just pick the lock or break it open. Never thought anything of it!

Not only will you work past this, but we're going off the rails and that is usually when things get fun!

The Arcanamirium's bureaucracy quickly reminds you how efficient and effective the Society's venture captains are. Two hours and 10 people later, you finally find the right office. Unfortunately, the secretary who blocks your path is the wrong person.

"Ahem! What is this nonsense? Arcanamirium business doesn't stop for anybody, especially not for people who aren't even part of the University! Make it quick, or I'll make you sorry."

Please accompany your RP with the appropriate social skill checks.

Cool! I've also done those things every time we went through this scenario, which makes this interesting and fun, especially given how there really aren't any consequences for breaking in. We just don't know it IC, which I like.

This is not the sort of law I was hoping for when we need help, Sejiri grumbles inwardly throughout the trials of the bureaucracy. Maybe something more competent and organized...Oh, well. The halfing bows respectfully before the secretary, then answers. "Greetings. We are looking for permission to enter the house of one of your Professors, or, failing that, some information regarding him. We tried knocking on Professor Fimbrik's door, where we found a rather large pile of old newspapers, and even saw him through his window. He didn't respond to anything we tried to get his attention. Is he a bit deaf? Unwelcome to visitors, perhaps?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

In an attempt to aid Sejiri, Zevryn steps up to the desk wearing his best smile and effecting a demure attitude.

"We are Pathfinders, in need of discussing a private matter with the professor, it involves some details directly involving the Society. We were hoping not to have to bother you, but since Professor Fimbrik seems awfully absentminded, and oblivious, we've been forced to seek your aid. We know you're busy, and that your studies and dealings are of the utmost importance, but if you could find the time to assist us, we'd be ever so grateful, even if it's just to point us toward the correct person."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

Yet another overly confident Secretary on a power trip... better learn how to manage them if I'm going to attend the Arcanamirium some day.

"Anything would help, we have nowhere else to turn," he pleads, hoping he can convince her to pity them.

________

Kembe mostly observes the woman, knowing all too well he's not the smoothest of talkers in the group. They're really putting these feet in their mouths here, if I wasn't so stoic and serious I should stifle a chuckle...

"Has Mr Fimbrik missed any classes of late? Maybe he's had a lapse in mental judgement due to his advanced age?"

Aid Diplo: 1d20 ⇒ 5

Forvenniel smiles at the secretary .

"Please would you help us?"
dip (aid): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Wow, those aren't the rolls we were hoping for.

Sensing your weakness, the bureaucrat enjoys his own power even more. "Well, that obviously has nothing to do with Arcanamirium business-which is the only thing this office is for."

He quickly looks back down at his papers, not even wasting the energy to dismiss you.

What's plan C?

"Well, I suppose there's nothing for it. So much for honesty, eh? I always prefer a good story myself." Zevryn says as he turns from the secretary and starts leaving.

"Did we have any other leads worth following? The smith, right? Maybe we'll find some clues about Fimbrik while we're there, unless you'd like to try the house again."

"Yes. The cool light of the moon is soothing to smiths after a long day at the forge. Let us visit with him." sighs Forvenniel.

"Sounds like a plan. Too bad these fine specimens wouldn't let us have a civil chat, but that's the life. I'd rather go to the forge than do anything we might regret at the house."

Kembe's face looks a bit unhappy at the resolute administrator So be it paper pusher, so be it.

He heads off with the others without a word until they get outside. "A forge? I don't remember anything about a forge.. only a stonesmith?" He goes back to eyeballing any and all passerby's as they walk.

I'm with Kembe here. I assume "visiting the forge" means paying your respects to the stonemason's tomb?

The cemetery is several districts away, in the middle of Eastgate, and everyone is thoroughly drenched by the time you arrive. Despite the weather, you still find a priest patrolling the grounds. Thankfully, she greets you with a smile.

"And may I ask, what brings you to Pharasma's domain in this weather?"

What is time to the moon?

"The moon bring us here![]/b]" smiles back Forvenniel.

"[b]And an age old mystery involving one of your residents. We were hoping he would be able to provide us some information, and in doing so perhaps rest easier." says the slightly dreamy elf.

diplomacy(aid): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10

"We seek out a mason, by the name of Arkath."

Woah. This is already the nicest Pharasmin I've ever met. Aren't they all required to be arrogant and condescending?

Norril bows his head solemnly. "Agent of the Lady of Graves, my companion speaks true. We wish to visit Arkath's burial site, in the pursuit of hidden knowledge. Will you grant us passage? I understand the dead are very important to you and your faith, we will be as respectful as possible to the deceased. "

"Indeed, nor should it take us too long," Sejiri adds with a bow to signify respectful greeting. "Already we must thank you for hearing our case. The others we have asked about our mission would do well to be as polite to all comers as you."

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

Kembe merely nods along with what the others have already stated, knowing his words don't always come out in the most pleasing of tones. Instead he takes in the surroundings, noting how vigilant the woman is in her job. Standing around in the rain in a graveyard... she seems as suspicious as we must be to her.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16

"I see," she answers Norril with a nod. The cleric begins walking away, then turns back and beckons you all with a wave of her hand. After a short walk, she points to one of the mausoleums and waits.

Inside, you find an intricately carved sarcophagus, but no other objects or decorations.

Forvenniel sighs. "Hidden from the moon he is. He keep his secrets well."

She examines the sarcophagus closely.

perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

And then quietly casts a detect magic to look around the room.

"Pale moonlight, show us that which is hidden."

Kembe smiles at the priestess as she leads them to the crypt "You help is appreciated Miss." He bows and heads inside to have a look himself.

"I wonder if he carved his own sarcophagus? Or maybe his apprentice or friends did the honor?" He bends down to study the resting place.Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28

"Nicely done everyone." Zevryn mutters under his breath, impressed with his companions sudden recovery of their diplomatic skills.

"That's a pretty interesting though, Kembe, I wonder what kind of mentality you'd need to have to build your own sarcophagus. Morbid and proud at least."

He joins Forvenniel in scanning the area with detect magic, looking for anything that might assist with the current mystery.

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

The Pharasman waits quietly as Kembe searches the mausoleum, but gives Forvenniel a pointed stare when the druid casts a spell. Both Kembe's eyes and Forvenniel's magic find an ancient looking coin in the mouth of Arkath's skull, but nothing else of significance is to be found.

spellcraft to identify the coin: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

The elf directs a smile to the Pharasman priest.

"Is it normal to bury your dead with magical coins in their mouths? Would you mind if we inspected that?"

"I know Pharasma holds the dead especially sacred, but that coin may very well be what we are searching for. If it isn't overstepping, may we look at it?" This might be where her patience ends... Norril mentally braces for impact while he waits for the cleric's response.

"I see little harm in looking, but please, do not touch or disturb anything."

Diplomacy to touch (or take) anything.

"I don't know what that coin does... but the moon knows many secrets." sighs Forvenniel.

"I wonder if Janira would know about it? She knows so much. I think the moon has blessed her."

She smiles at the priest.

"Would we be able to borrow this... we'll return it..

diplomacy(aid): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11

"Well, I don't know if we'll be needing it," Sejiri notes. "Maybe we can tell Janira about this and she can inspect it at her leisure. Still, better to be safe than sorry, but we must ask. May we borrow this coin?" The halfling turns to the priestess. "We would return it, you have my word as a champion of light and truth. If this would be a disrespect to the dead in some way, we can go without."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

Aid Spellcraft: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16 If it's not too late.

Zevryn tries to help Forvenniel identify the strange coin that she and Kembe find on the body. Unsure how he feels about removing items from the dead, he figures his companions know what they're doing and waits for the priests response.

What an odd day. From secret rooms in basements, almost breaking into a wizards home, and now borderline desecration of a tomb, and I'm only a fledgling Pathfinder.

Kembe watches the exchanges between the priestess and his own group, particularly curious in the reactions of how they study the coin. "Maybe just a chance to look the coin over? I'm afraid I'm no help in the world of magic. To be honest I've always heard many negative things about arcane magic."

He smiles a bit uncomfortably at the small revelation.

"I see . . ." The cleric gives the paladin a short, piercing gaze, then nods her head. "Please, make every effort to return the coin quickly."

The Pharasman says little else while escorting you from the cemetery, and offers only a small gesture in parting.

Once outside, Zevryn examines the coin with his own magic, but is also unable to discern its properties.

Where to next?

"Let's go ask Janira about the coin." suggests Forvenniel.
"She knows heaps, and maybe there is something special about it that she could help us with."

"Agreed lets find her! I thought for sure I'd be able to figure it out though." Zev grumbles as they leave the cemetery, holding a reformed Bevole in his arms as the skunk nuzzles it's head into his elbow. "At least the Priest trusts us though, considering our lack of success so far, I was more than a little worried."