In Service to Lore (Table 2) (Inactive)

Game Master Baerlie

Fresh off their induction into the Society and the completion of their basic training within the organization, you find themselve in the office of Ambrus Valsin, the venture-captain in charge of daily operations in and around the Grand Lodge. The efficient and straightforward chamberlain greets you curtly and motions for you to sit before jumping straight into their assignment.

"All right, Pathfinders! Listen up. I know you are new recruits eager to make names for yourselves in the organization, but first we need to make sure you are up to snuff and won’t get yourself killed out there. I have a number of small assignments for you and your team, and it would be best if you could finish them before the day’s end.

Your first mission, to test your mettle and loyalties, sends you to meet a few people important to the Society living here in Absalom. These are other venture-captains or close allies of our organization, so follow their orders as you would mine. I’ve prepared a list of things I want you to do. They’re not arranged in any particular order of importance, but I want them all completed as quickly as possible. Only report to me once you complete them all. Included in the envelope you hold in your hands is the list, complete with the name of your contact, and directions to the meeting location."

you can find the links to the handout and to the map of Absalom above the tabs.

The well-groomed half-orc (he prefers the term "Orcan") in plain travellers clothes stands up and replies earnestly,

Thank you, Captain. We will not let you down.

He glances around at his companions, taking their measure.

Or at least, I won't.

Oh, not a good start on friendliness.

The crow-faced humanoid licks his beak and moves forward.
"Ass you ssay, masster! I will act ass if it iss your word!
Examining the list he opens the beak, as if to mimik a humans smile and adresses the Orc-human. "Where to sstart, what do you think?

Xichi gapes at the giant bird-man.

A giant talking bird. What's next, a demon-spawn?

Recovering his composure, he considers the list for a moment before replying.

Let us tackle them in order, starting with the docks. I believe I have seen the Pickled Imp in passing, although I have never set foot inside. Have you?

A dwarf, with graying hair and beard, smiles pleasantly at everyone, although it does not feel particularly inviting. Wearing simple scale armor, with a shield strapped to his back, and a coiled whip on his belt, all his equipment looks new, except for the openly displayed symbol of Calistria hanging around his neck.

"Yes, of course! People to help. Relationships to be nurtured." He says, unctuously. "We shall get right to it!"

"And helping poor sick orphans, what could be better!" He smiles again, reflexively rubbing his hands together. "I've sure they will be most grateful! Most grateful indeed."

Geographically, based on the map and the handout, assuming we're starting in the Grand Lodge (which is in the Foreign Quarter)... the most direct route would be Ivy, Wise, Ascendant Court, Docks, then home again. Or the reverse of that, I suppose... so Paracountess, the Osirion, orphans, then the curio shop ... or the reverse of that? (wrenches in the works, notwithstanding)

Ah, I was not aware of where we started. I don't think it matters much, so if you want to make that suggestion in character Xichi can be easily convinced.

I wouldn't mind calling on a Chelish Paracountess first. She's bound to have something to eat at her house. Nixie get's a confused look on her face: Kraak, what do birn-men eat anyway?

The Tengu looks at the young woman and strokes his beak at his shoulder.
"Anything thatss tassty!

The elven monk looks at his group. He gives a half bow to Ambrus.

It shall be as you wish.

Turning to the half-orc, he says in Orcish.

To everyone else he says.

Well, I am ready for an adventure, no matter how small. As you can see by my general lack of items, I am not interested in trinkets. I am interested in honing myself as a weapon in both mind and body. Bring me where we need to go.

"Oh yes, menial errands will do wonders for your mind," The dwarf smiles ingratiatingly, "and your body, no doubt."

"Shall we be on our way then?" He asks. "I hear the Paracountess has delightful tastes. Perhaps we shall catch her in the right mood." With that, he becomes lost in thought for a moment.

Nixie stares at Alexos' mouth as he speaks Orcish and tries to silently imitate the sounds. Ich, Khar, shak, yawl. Wow, those are hard sounds.

Looking left and right the tengu licks his beak. "Work iss not done by talking about it. Off to that human noble we shall go!

"Do you have any questions regarding your tasks? If you need any additional equipment, you can find shops and merchants throughout Absalom. Keep in mind that the contacts on your task list are friends of the Society, please treat them as authority figures, they are to be respected and obeyed." Ambrus Valsin says.

Nixie raises her hand. Oh, oh, I have a question. Um. Is this, like, a big item that she has? Because I'm just wondering if we will need to take the wheel barrow. I HATE it when I get in those situations where you need one and don't have one. She will follow the others out the door when they go.

If you mean the item you have to retrieve from Zarta Dralneen, it is small enough to carry it with you. Abrus Valsin answers to Nixie.

Alexos looks at the dwarf and human inquisitively. He wonders about the dwarf if he is being sarcastic in his reply or serious.

You would be surprised, master dwarf, how much honing of the mind can be done by such "menial tasks" if you apply them right. As for you, bard, they are only hard words to say if you haven't learned them as a child. Be thankful you didn't have that as a necesity.

After a moment's thought, he continues.

I seriously doubt that we would be sent on a task without the proper gear either being provided or at least being mentioned. I have no questions myself... I am ready to move out when you are, though I would appreciate the chance to pick up a cartagraphy kit at some point.

Alexos will also follow everyone out when they set off.

Alexos glances at the tengu.

You indeed are correct, my feathered companion. Work is not often acomplished by standing around talking... well, at least not honest work. Still, rushing into a task without properly preparing first is not a virtue either.

He looks at the half-orc again.

For example, our friend here wants to hit the docks first. It would be best to find out if he has any strong objections to our visiting the so-called "paracountess" first.

After leaving the presence of Valsin, Kraak takes out a traveling robe with a hood and a big Hat and lifts the hood high to hide his head.
He seems ready to follow Alexos.

Alexos straightens his robes and looks at the map for Absalom. He mutters to himself in elvish.

Noticing that the Tengu seems ready to go, he asks:

My feathered friend, if you have been here before I would appreciate it if you led the way. It is my first time here... and while I don't normally mind getting lost, I gather you don't want to take major detours for sight-seeing.

know(local): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23 I-kna howda get there. *sweet smile*

Alexos looks warily at the Bard. He still doesn't quite know what to think of her, or her motives.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17

Not sure whether a 17 will let me know if she is on the level or not...

Well, if no one else knows how to get there... I suppose we can follow you... but no tricks now.

Whoops, forgot that I already added my Wis score bonus in my bonus total when calculating it on my page... should be a +8, not a +10... so... roll was 15 with the bonus, not the 17. Apologies, still getting this down.

"We run errands, not fighting off Aspis incursions or cultist hoards. I can't imagine much specialized equipment required for that." Touchy says, with a hearty smile, patting Alexos on the back. "A sturdy pair of boots should do for a stroll through town!"

The dwarf happily follows Nixie as she leads the way into the Ivy district, though he spends just as much time watching her as the streets around him.

Alexos sighs. Again he murmors to himself in elvish:

Noticing the dwarf and bard are beginning to head off he continues after them, hoping that the tengu and half orc will either follow as well or at least meet up with them there... where ever "there" is.

Well, while we are on the way, think we can find a store that sells blank journals, quills, map making paper, or at least a book bag? I study history, but I would have little to study if those who came before us hadn't written anything down. We owe it to subsequent generations to document what we do now... even if it seems small and minor.

This last bit he addresses specifically to the dwarf cleric, and follows it up with this.

While the grandest tales to be told over a mug of ale might typcially be... grander... than ours, it is our type of tale that really tell historians about how a culture operates, what it values. I tell you that long after we have died, long after Absalom has passed back into the seas, historians will know about how the people lived here from books describing tasks like this one.

Alexos continues to keep one eye on his bard guide, not quite ready to trust her. Despite her friendly apperance, something just strikes him as not quite right about her.

Nixie helps Kraak arrange his hood to best hide his 'features', then pats him on the chest. There ya go. Ya look like a shiny penny. After this she leads them through a few extra turns and side streets than necessary, not because she is sneaky - it's just that she's never done anything in a strait line in her life. And she knows the Dwarf won't mind the extra half hour to use her as eye candy. Sure she might say she doesn't like it but...

"The important stuff worth remembering, it stays right here." The dwarf replies clanking his knuckles on the metal helm on his head. "So we know just who to kick in the teeth later, of course." He adds with a disturbing grin, a little more friendly then it should be.

"Anything else, can wait 'til the end of the day I'm sure. Even the lovesick maidens wait til they're alone in their rooms at night to fill out their diaries." He smiles pleasantly as he ponders some image that pops into his head at the last statement.

After a moment, he pulls out a well-worn book, with dog-eared pages and various bookmarks and notes poking out, marking passages and sections within. It is a 'blue book' for the city of Absalom. "Don't know about fancy paper stores in the Ivy district," He says, cheerfully patting the book. "But this here has all sorts of more interesting establishments if you're interested. I'd bet that curio shop is in here somewhere... and the Paracountess, she has her own section here in the back." He seems impressed, if a little too exited, by that last, then adds as an aside by way of explanation. "Been working my way through, A to Z."

Hmph... if I need to... "kick the teeth", as you so... elegantly... put it... of someone, I typically do so right then and there. And after that is done, so is my quarrel with them. After all, at that point either they have learned their lesson or they will no longer be able to learn anything at all.

He flashes his first grin, and with the tatoo on his face it is decidedly grim looking.

Well, bard, are we lost? It seems like I have seen that building before... then again, I am a scholar of history and fighting styles, not an architect, so I could be mistaken.

Arriving at Paracountess Zarta Dralneen’s townhouse in the Ivy District — one of several homes the noblewoman keeps around Absalom — you come upon a magnificent gothic structure three stories in height. The ebon lacquered double doors wrought with gleaming silver fixtures greet the characters, a prickly brass cone hanging from a chain serving as the door chime. Moments after ringing it, a servant in loose casual attire opens the door, greeting you as if expected.

Led through well-appointed sitting rooms, ballrooms, and a grand stairway granting a view of an elaborate study, you finally arrive on the third floor of the house, at the door of Zarta’s personal study, which lies beyond her bedroom. Knocking upon the door and announcing his presence, the servant opens the darkly stained wooden door.

A large intricate carpet dominates the marble f loor in this sitting room. A chaise sits along the north wall and a desk spans the southeast corner, its chair positioned with its back to the southwest corner of the room. Three comfortable chairs are positioned around a small, low circular table. Sitting in the chair behind the desk, Paracountess Zarta Dralneen regards you with a wry smile, putting away a few papers before standing to address the hopeful Pathfinders.

"Aldor, you are dismissed. Close the door behind you and attend to your other tasks." She then turns her attention to the group.
"It’s always so incredibly adorable when I see a freshfaced batch of Pathfinders. I mean, look at you scrumptious little teacakes. I could eat each and every one of you up. Well, maybe not you." Zarta points.
"I assume this isn’t a pleasure visit since most of you are terribly overdressed for that manner of occasion, so that must mean you are here for that trinket Valsin has been nagging me about. Seems I can’t get that man around these parts anymore," she gestures, sliding her hand down her body and widening the gesture to sweep out and across the room as if her home were a secondary thought.
"On the good side, he always sends me all the precious new recruits. Many think we in Cheliax serve 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 the order of things. People need to know their place and operate accordingly. It is the only way to make order from this world. Too many people stretch too far beyond their station, making waves and eroding the true order."

After a few seconds she continues talking to the young Pathfinders "The item Ambrus Valsin sent you to retrieve is a seven-lock-box. In addition to the seven masterwork locks the box is magically warded with abjuration Magic intermingled with strong evocation Magic. I tried to bypass the locks and seals, but I did not succeed. Please do not temper with this box!" As the paracountess talks, a cacophony of booms and crashes sounds from beyond the room’s west door. She sometimes pauses at an extended eruption of these noises before continuing with the conversation.

new map above the Tabs

Looking at the door Kraak gives a little hoot. Unsure about those hu-mans he keeps to the back.

As they walk through the Paracountess' town house, Touchy looks around with thinly veiled anticipation, and when the servant finally ushers them in to her presence, he has a hard time not staring... not that he tries not to.

"Is a pleasure!" He finally utters moving right up to her, smiling. "And I do mean pleasure, to finally meet you!"

He bows deeply, though his eyes stay locked on her the whole time.

"A shame we are here only for a box..." He adds.

Man, am trying not to get too inappropriate... but this sort of set up makes it hard! =)

Nixie picks the lid off a jar on the desk and give the contents a sniff. Wow you've got some really nice stuff around here. After a particularly nasty boom from beyond the doors Nixie shrugs. Are ya remodeling Mistress? It's hard not to like an innocent bard...diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

Sorry, was out all day yesterday doing early Mother's Day.

Xichi tries to ignore the cacophany coming from the other room.

So, if we may just have the box, we'll be on our way.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22

Gods, what a racket. Alexos attempts to determine what is making the noise, as well as what else he can find out about his surroundings.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20

I think I can understand why good master Valsin avoids this house. Your nation seeks to control powers that are beyond your understanding. Still, a job is a job. Are there any special handling requirements for the box?

Given his stance, pose, and the tone of his voice, Alexos is clearly not happy to be in the presence of the Paracountess and does not care if she knows it.

Turning his bardic companion, Alexos says.

Careful with that... most likely not everything in here is edible, no matter what it smells like.

In orcish he follows up to Xichikitte.

I wasn't gonna eat it, she laughs, taking Alexos' advice and putting the lid back on the pot.

*BOOM BOOM BOOM* from beyond the door.

Awe...will you SHUT UP IN THERE ALREADY?! You're givin me a headache!

Tomorrow will be busy for me, so I might be a tad late in posting (I finally get home)...

Alexos sighs in relief as Nixie puts the lid back on the container. Chances are it was either lethal (bad for her) or sugar-filled (bad for the rest of us).

The dwarf is still leering at the Paracountess... either he is going to strike her fancy or royally upset her, and either way would take more time than they really had. He places a hand on his shoulder and whispers to him:

Business before alleged pleasure, my friend. Let's focus on the box... and possibly whatever is making that racket that she is so studiously trying to ignore... perhaps one of her former lovers tied up in some room, eh?

Again he smiles, and as before the tatoo makes it look creepy instead of comforting.

Touchy seems completely distracted by the Paracountess, the noises barely registering.

"Don't mind him," He offers, "You know elves, knickers always in a bunch when they don't have any trees to frolic in."

He smiles pleasantly, though it comes off more lascivious, and adds with a wink, "That's why we dwarves don't wear 'em."

Aw man... I couldn't help myself! =)

Let's make it official! ...

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20

edit: egads... ok, wasn't expecting a decent roll. =) Charisma 5 dwarf's got game!

"Well, the thing is, uh, I would hand out the box. But there is a slight problem." the Paracountess looks at the door to the room where more crashes and booms are coming from. "The problem is, that a servant is greatly misbehaving. You’re going to have to deal with it in order to get the box." She opens a drawer in her desk and takes out an exquisite silver letter opener shaped like a dagger. "You might need this to get it to submit." she offers with a sly grin.

Treat the letter opener as a masterwork silver dagger. The door to the room is unlocked.

Kraak looks at the dagger and then at his surrounding comrades, noticing the apart from the impolite elf no one else inclined to go Claw to claw with the "THING" behind the door. He jumps forward and nods after accepting the dagger. He looks at the dwarf and smiles." Any blessings, priest?"

Nixie reaches for the dagger with a big smile...just Kraak grabs it first! She snaps her fingers in disappointment. Awe, Feathernuggets!

Xichi has no need for instruments of melee, and allows others to squabble over the dagger.

Finally, a chance for glory!

He moves to the door and readies to open it.

Well? Are we ready?

Hooting in surprise Kraak enters the bedroom. Looking around he drinks the strange sight and then files it back for later.

*Draws rapier* Oh my gosh, look at that thing! Nixie points to a rather largish pleasure device on the table. Countess! Oh my! I step into the room.

Xichi moves into the room, bewildered by the strange implements.

The city dwellers claim to be so civilized, but in truth they just *hide* their slaves behind closed doors.

To his erstwhile friend Alexos he says,

He looks at the dwarf and smiles." Any blessings, priest?"

"Blessings?" Touchy says with a slight frown, taking his eyes off of Zarta for a moment. "For a wayward servant?" He grins slightly, a pointed glint in his eyes. "Calistria's blessings are more stick then carrot."

But, always one to please, Touchy lays one hand on the tengu's chest, and mumbles divine words in dwarvish. Which Kraak will be able to translate something along the lines of, 'May whoever crosses you get more then they desire.'

Cast Guidance on Kraak (+1 on any single d20 roll within the next minute)

As the Paracountess' bedroom is revealed, a quiet reverent whistle escapes the dwarf's lips, as he looks therein.

No sign of the 'servant' that was making all the noise? Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15 if it matters

He quickly gets distracted examining the various paraphernalia on the nearby tables.

You can see an imp sitting begind the bed. The imp Kreuvus is enraged and totally out of control. The creature desperately wants inside the box and throws it around the room hoping to smash the thing open. Though dented, the case doesn’t look like it will be opening anytime soon.

Xichi gathers an otherworldly protective barrier about him.

Casting Mage Armor.

Awe,cute! Hey little fella, do you wana little help getting in that box? Give it here I'll get it open for ya.
bluff: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26

In Orcish to Xichi:

Imp blood is hard to get out of clothing, and demons are hard to do damage to with one's fists... even mine. I'll keep the door covered so it can't get out, but someone else should try to get the box from it... or get it into the box... or kill it.

Alexos takes up a guard position by the torture room... bed room?... door.