Master of the Fallen Fortress (Inactive)

Game Master Baerlie

You are in Absalom, the mighty City at the Center of the World, and you’ve always longed to explore one of the countless ruins of failed conquerors that litter the plains outside the city’s walls.

A wealthy collector heard rumors that one of the sealed siege castles has been laid open by a minor earthquake. Word on the street is that no one has yet entered the tower, which folks are calling the “Fallen Fortress.” He hired a group of adventurers to collect historical or valuable artifacts from within the ruined tower.

What better way to start a life of excitement and adventure than by exploring its long-abandoned, dusty halls and perhaps claiming its ancient treasures?

Here and ready.

Shin makes his way down the bustling streets of Absalom in no apparent hurry. Like many others, he heard about the opening of the "Fallen Fortress". He thought nothing of it at first, but when a wealthy man began looking for people to look into this ruin for artifacts, Shin saw the opportunity for some money. He had been traveling and was running low on funds to continue his journey.

He makes his way to the meeting place. I wonder who else will be there. He muses to himself as he walks down the street.

Hey everyone, let's have a good game.

After you agreed to do the job you were invited by the collector to his house to meet the other pathfinders.

Hello pathfinders, my name is Fed Warang. My master and your sponsor sent me to tell you about your mission. He wants you to get the remaining artifacts from the Fallen Fortress. Before we are leaving the city do you need any additional equipment or goods? Do you have any questions?

Kaede senses something isn't right here.

"Sir, pardon my impertinence, but our generous sponsor should surely greet us in person, yes? Has he something to fear from a crumbling siege castle?"

She studies Warang's countenance as he responds to her query.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Heh. I'm glad I got that roll out of the way on a Sense Motive check.

Tûrak put a hand in his hat, moving it in his head and look at Fed.

"So, I'm curious about something... What about the payment?, then he smile.

Heyas all! I made it to the gameplay thread.

Once Alexis received the invitation to meet the collector, she arrives promply at the designated location.

"Nice to meet you, Fed Warang. I think I am good for supplies. "

After letting the rest of the group ask a few questions, Alexis adds one. "What types of things most interest our sponsor? The more we know about what he finds interesting, the easier it is for us to see that the trip will be.... fruitful."

From the back of the group, Willow concurs. "I agree. I don't think I need any more equipment, but is there anything more you can tell us about the fortress? Is it still difficult to access, that no one's entered it yet?"

Hello, everyone! I got myself confused and thought I could bump a default alias into PFS, but I think I've got things sorted now.

After letting the rest of the group ask a few questions, Alexis adds one. "What types of things most interest our sponsor? The more we know about what he finds interesting, the easier it is for us to see that the trip will be.... fruitful."

"I'm thinking along the same lines. Knowing what the sponsor is looking for will help us. I can grab anything I think might be worthwhile, but I'm no archaeologist. I'm sure he has a specific eye on certain things."

Nods to Alexis, showing support for her idea.

"The sponsor is out. He travels around the world looking for artifacts. Because of his age he is not able to look for artifacts himself any more, but he's still doing the research. That's the reason why he hired you.

Thats pretty much everything I can tell you about the fortress. While we are waiting for the last pathfinder, please sit down and have a drink."

Please keep in mind that the module says that you get paid for the job, because it was not created as a "real" society module, but according to the PFS conversion rules for this scenario you get 479 GP for finishing the scenario.

Certain she will extract little subsequent information from Warang, Kaede bows slightly and turns to the group. "Ho, fellow adventurers! As we are to brave the fortress together, it is only right that we introduce ourselves, yes?" She smiles and offers a deep, respectful bow. "I am Kaede Kashinaga, late of the Empire of Minkai. I am skilled at finding traps and hiding in the shadows, among other things. It is my sincere hope that our expedition is a fruitful one."

Alexis accepts the drink Do I read this as tea or spirits? while they wait for their last compatriot.

After Kaede finishes, Alexis says "Good to meet you, Kaede. I'm Alexis V'eron. How did you get from Minkai to Absalom? That sounds like quite the long journey."

He walks in though he is late. Calmly gliding through the doors, his heritage plain for all to see.

Dressed in red robes further accentuating his flaming hair, reddish skin and glowing eyes leaking with fire, this ifrit isn't one to mess with as he seems stuck with a permanant glower.

"I have come late, fellow pathfinders. The messenger bird was indisposed and I was unable to save it. I did honor its death."
Pasuing as he sweeps his arms beneath him in a wide sweeping action.

"I am Saleem Magmum, Flame Mage at your service."

Just tea or juice, Warang doesn't want to risk the success of the mission because of drunken pathfinders.

"Welcome Saleem Magmum, nice to meet you." Warang says to Saleem as he enters the room.

The group is now complete. Tell me when you are ready to leave. It should be a short and calm trip to the ruined tower."

Willow finishes her drink and gets up, skittish on her long legs, like a fawn. She’s clearly excited, and also a bit nervous. If someone’s already gone missing, she thinks. Aloud, she says, “We were just doing the round of introductions, Saleem. This is Kaede, and Alexis, and I’m Tasarë Solaera, but everyone can just call me Willow. Shall we continue our discussion on the way? And the gentlemen can introduce themselves.”

Kaede smiles enigmatically at Alexis. "It was a long journey, yes."

She takes a small sip of tea, then turns to the newly arrived ifrit. "Welcome, Saleem Magmum." A curt bow. "From whence do you hail? I regret to say I have not previously made the acquaintance of an... What is it your people prefer to be called? Ifrit?"

“We were just doing the round of introductions, Saleem. This is Kaede, and Alexis, and I’m Tasarë Solaera, but everyone can just call me Willow. Shall we continue our discussion on the way? And the gentlemen can introduce themselves.”

The rude man goes to the women and says, "Nice to meet you, ladies", while pulling his hat from his head as a way to greet them.

"My name Turak Kavendarth, I'm here to accompany you on this journey. Count me in for whatever you need. Know this city well, I'm living here, so I think I could be useful."

He then turns his hat to his head and grins, trying to be friendly.

Turning to the Tian woman, Saleem effects a low bow.
"Yes. Flower of the East. I am what is known to you as an Ifrit. One with the blood of flames flowing through my veins. I'm afraid I have yet to be graced with your name. How may I address one such as yourself?" His words smooth but tinged with danger such as one would play with an open flame.

A Tian man of average height and a mop of dark hair. He is muscular, yet has a lean frame. Shin wears very modest and loose-fitting clothing.

He puts down his own tea cup. The flavor, while not bad, is not what he prefers. "I am also from Minkai. " There is a slight accent as he speaks common. "My name is Natsume Shin, but please just call me Shin."

He stands and slings his pack over his shoulder.

Tûrak looks askance at Saleem and greets, "Hi, man..."

"I, good ifrit, am Kaede Kashinaga of the Empire of Minkai." She stands and heads for the doorway with the others. "You will forgive me if I do not shake your hand, yes?" A roguish smirk crosses her face.

"Saleem. " Beckons to the door with on hand. "I will summarize what was said in your absence. We will get 150 gold for returning with anything historic or valuable. There may be some evil that has taken up residence within however."

Holds the door so everyone else inside can leave.

Holds the door so everyone else inside can leave.

"Thank you, cowboy. Let's kick some asses", then he passes trough the door.

Kaede thanks Shin and passes through the doorway.

Nodding to Shin who had introduced himself, Saleem continues with Kaede.
"No. None taken I assure you. It maybe the best for both of us."

Inclining his head to Turak, he smiles at his words as Shin briefs him on what needs to be done.
"Nothing a simple fire can't clear."

"Have a good trip, I will pray for your success." Fed Warang wishes as you leave the house. You have a short travel to the Fortress and arrive at the ruins relaxed and motivated.

The ruined siege castle now being called the Fallen Fortress rises out of the churned earth of the Cairnlands. No doors or windows mar the otherwise smooth expanse of the tower’s walls. The tower is quatrefoil in plan; its eastern wing has largely collapsed, exposing the interior floors to the open air. Only the topmost level seems whole, though its eastern portion hangs precariously over the mountain of rubble left by the collapse. At ground level, the rubble frames a gaping hole in the side of the building that provides access to the tower’s darkened interior.

Link to the map is in my stats row.

Kaede peers inside the hole, scanning for any traps or monsters.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

Alexis nods to Fed and smiles to the rest of the group, "Let's be off then. We have some exploring to do."

Confirming I can see the map.

Once at the castle, Alexis helps everybody scan the outside.

perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15

Saleem Walks forward and attempts to see if he can see anything or anyone.

Perception 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (3) - 1 = 2

Willow joins the others in peering into the shadows of the tower's interior, looking for the likeliest way through the rubble to inside. Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19 "I think the doorways to either side are clear," she says. "Do we have a preference?"

"Do any of you happen to possess some trail rations?" asks Kaede, careful not to speak too loudly. "There are three dogs at the entrance, and they appear hungry and wild. If we feed them, I believe they will let us pass."

"Perhaps we can just scare them off. Some angry shouting maybe"

Kaede rolls her eyes. "Foolish boy!" she hisses. "Threaten a dog, and it might bare its fangs. It is far riskier than food, which pacifies them."

I own dogs IRL. Can't have you making a rookie mistake like that one. :)

haha, I'm more of a cat person I suppose.

"My apologies." Looks away awkwardly.

Tûrak just stay in the back and draw his pistol, waiting for his fellows.

"None of you have any food?" says Kaede, dropping the mask of politeness entirely. "Very well. Come, Shin! We are headed to the butcher's and the general store. I'll not see nonviolent beasts senselessly killed because we did not prepare adequately."

She begins to walk away, then turns back to the group. "None of you are to move from this spot until we return. If you do not wish an arrow in your throat, you will comply!"

Sorry, but I'm not killing dogs unless they're attacking us directly. You mind fast forwarding a few hours, please, GM?

Ok, you can buy chunks of meat for 3 SP each at the butcher's. Do the others want to wait?

"I have rations. You can use those if you need." Offers Saleem though he wonders at their preparations at not carrying some trail rations... He wonder if they carried water too....

Tûrak looks at Saleem, "well, i like her", then he smiles and turn his head in Kaede's direction.

Walks with Kaede to purchase the trail rations. "I can buy the meat, to make up for the inconvenience. I don't want to harm animals that were just in the wrong place."

3 chunks of meat, one for each dog. 9sp.

With the meat in a bag, Shin carries the food back.

Looks at Kaede while walking, "Master always said I needed to work on my foresight." Smiles weakly and turns back, staring distantly for a good while.

Kaede grins. "Thank you, Shin." She takes the hunks of meat and walks back towards the group. "Saleem, may I trouble you to throw one of these into the opening using your bare hands? The burned smell will increase its appeal, and the dogs should fight amongst themselves for it. While they fight, we sneak past them, yes?"

A hasty edit to account for Shin's actions, I admit, but... *shrugs*

And thank you for the offer, Saleem, late though it ended up being.

Oops! Sorry everyone, I was out for the afternoon (since just before the results of our Perception checks were posted!) so I missed the exchange about feeding the dogs, but my character does have trail rations. :/ Let's just roll with it, I guess.

Willow shakes her head as Shin and Kaede return from haring off to a butcher's. "I'm sorry, Kaede, you two were gone before I could check my pack..."

She glances at Saleem, then at the wild dogs, and estimates a worst-case scenario. Robes. Teeth. Probability of engagement before protective magic can be cast... Nasty wild animals. I hope this works. "That sounds right. I wouldn't mind trying to help distract or calm them, but I'm not sure how well that would work out. I'm not that sort of elf... plants are rather closer to my heart."

Saleem looks wryly at that request.
"Would it noy be more prudent to havr someone with better protections than I to do so? If you insist however then so be it I shall do as you requested. "

Kaede stifles an irritated grunt. "Your are an ifrit, no? Your hands will char the meat, you see?"

“I’ll do it, just wait a moment,” Willow says. She carefully holds out the raw meat to the ifrit, and waits while the fire of his innate magic sears it cleanly, before gingerly taking it back. Fascinating. I wonder... “Everyone be ready to go double-quick, alright?”

She starts moving towards the tower, trying to look unthreatening and make soothing noises as she gets close enough to the dogs to throw the meat between them. “Here, guys. Here, you noble hounds, you. Who wants something nice and tasty, and to let us pass?” Handle Animal: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13 Well, really a Charisma check, but I thought it might help.

She lobs the meat among them and tries to circle around their excitement, turning at the base of the pile of rubble that leads into the tower itself to make sure the others are following before she starts to clamber up herself.

Saleem chuckles.
"I knew I should have taken up the position of chef when I had the chance. Oh Ill to me and mine for such thoughts of our abilities."

Using his innate abilites to sear the meat before the Elven woman takes it.

Alexis smells the meat as it begins to char in Saleem's hands.

"I'm ready to move once we throw the meat," she says.

Any skill check needed to avoid the dogs noticing us?

When the dogs saw Willow coming closer, they started to bark and growl. Just in the moment they decided to attack the intruder Willow threw the meat between them. One of the wild dogs grabbed it and fled into the woods. The others also smelled the chunk of roasted meat and followed him.

Good job, you can now enter the tower.

*Chrono Trigger fanfare plays*