Murder on the Silken Caravan (Inactive)

Game Master Schiffer

“One of our number has fallen.” Venture-Captain Adril Hestram lets the grave words hang in the air before continuing. It’s difficult to imagine a large man like Adril defeated, but in light of this grim news his shoulders slump; he is a man who suffered a loss. “Targos Min-Katheer, esteemed venture-captain, is dead. His last wishes are simple: he wants his mortal remains to take one last trip along the Silken Way to his home city of Katheer, there to rest with his ancestors. He was one of our finest and we aim to honor his request. It is for this reason I’ve called you all together.” Adril points one sausage-thick finger at the map on the table, tracing a line from Absalom to the mouth of the Pashman River, then snaking up the river to the oasis city of Lopul. “Here is where you can gather up his remains and join the silken caravan, one of the only caravans daring the harsh journey across the desert from Lopul to Katheer. This mission is simple, joyride really, but we insist you give it the attention it deserves. A few weeks in the sun, seeing the sights of the desert. A dream assignment.”
Adril has a way of making every assignment sound like a sweet deal, but the last few weeks traveling by boat up the Pashman River and then hiking the short distance to the oasis city have been grueling to the extreme. A poisonous river snake claimed one of your guides; you remember his last gasps well, and how his face bloated to twice its usual size within seconds of the bite.
Before you now lies Lopul, the great caravan city, erected around the crystal life-giving waters of the Pool of Sihbon, the largest oasis for over one hundred miles. Mud brick houses baking in the sun and great canvas tents crowd the central copse of palm and date trees.
Lopul is a caravan-city ruled by the Sheikh Samraf Al- Hadari, humble servant to the padishah emperor of Kelesh. The settlement’s population fluctuates wildly with the comings and goings of trade caravans, but usually has at least a thousand locals and travelers in residence at any one time. Most of the city is comprised of tents and temporary dwellings erected by merchants and caravan masters, with only about a quarter of the city’s structures being permanently built around the Pool of Sihbon itself. Among these permanent structures are a half- dozen caravanserai, the fortress of the sheikh, and twoscore domed dwellings constructed of mud brick. One such dwelling is the former residence of Targos Min-Katheer. All that remains is to collect his body and join the silken caravan.

staring wide eyed at the sun baked city why would anybody want to live here she thinks to herself as a bead of sweat rolls down her once alabaster skin the wild life is trying to kill me, the sun is trying to kill me Inheritor knows what is waiting for us along the journey she ponders trying to stay in the shade to avoid any unnecessary burning of her pale Chelish skin.

looking into the water Imperia notes the changes that has occurred during her short time working for the society her once well taken care of midnight black armor was now dented and scarred from the unforgiving battle for the diamond city. running her delicate hands down her mid length hair regretting cutting her once beautiful locks to protect herself from the heat. Eying her companions with her golden eyes she lets out a sigh at least she has had the opportunity to converse with others of her kind something she has not been able to do in quiet some time.

"Let us be hasty about this" she says facing the group her tone cold and some what cruel "I have seen much better men die and do not wish to join our dearest charge in the grave" looking at the sun and maybe to a more pleasant land thinking on her hasty words she opens her mouth once again "I am sorry my mind has been adrift of late my name is Imperia Lexia paladin of Iomedae" she says not leaving the shadows.

Ashen got her name from her skin. More pale than her fellow Emberkin. Grayish white, the young girl looks like a ghost. She wears equally light and faded clothing including a half mask shaped like a skull, with black dreads. Hooded almost all the time. Her face and body has a few tattoos across it. One seems to move every now and then, that of a scorpion. She carries around a short spear made of Cold iron. Other than that, she seems very plain and forgetful
Ashen pulled her hood over her eyes. The sun was hot, yet, even her own kind would probably flinch at this. And she was less inclined toward the heat than what should be.
in a low voice, almost a whisper, she greets her companions
"Good day to you all. Ashen Nyteshade here. Ready for this trip I believe"

If there is one thing that I have learned in this job is that the ten dont give away joyrides for free. #%€@$! I hate the desert.

The young varisian warrior tries to stay under whatever shade he can find as they walk. Besides the plate armor he is clad in bright colorfull clothes with both hands full of golden rings, a matching pair of earrings and two short swords strapped to his back.
Haste you say, sounds good. He answers the paladin. Lets just hope whoever embalmed the body new what they were doing or we are going to have some very interesting two weeks on the road. Taking a good look at her. I remeber you, Nerosyan, right?

Anyway, I am Nicolae, charmed to meet you all.

Ashia revels in the warmth of the desert sun. "We're home, Nakhti," she says, stretching. Nakhti hisses with excitement.

Looking around at her companions, Ashia takes particular note of the pale, masked girl. "Hello, everyone. My name is Ashia, and this is Nakhti," she announces with a friendly smile. Then, turning to the Emberkin, "That is quite an interesting mask. What is it's significance? Or do you simply wish to hide your face?"

She smiled softly. What could be seen of her eyes, told that it was a sincere smile
Once again in a low whispering voice, she replied
"Ashia. Pleased to meet you. The mask hides my Tatu from the sun. The blighter doesnt like sunburn. Also. I just really like the mask... it seems to... attract me I suppose"
As she spoke, one of her tattoos lifts up from her skin, briefly turns into a scorpion, crawls up her arm and neck and effortlessly becomes a flat tattoo on her face behind the mask. Which left Ashen laughing very softly
"As you can see"

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A small pasty white gnome sits at the table stroking his meticulously groomed beard at the table Venture-Captain Adril Hestram informs the party of the upcoming assignment. He is wearing a purple suit with white frill at the end of each sleeve, a suit entirely too fancy to be fesible for adventuring but all the same he wears it oblivious to how out of place it seems. Pizzmic ole boy, how did you get stuck transporting a Gods forsaken corpse through a desert miles away from the city. Ughhh I don't know if you're really cracked up for this whole society yank around, but we'll play alone for now i suppose.

Pizzmic nods during the entire explanation keeping intent concentration on the speaker making sure that he sees his "sincerely earnest dedication" to the assignment. Once the venture captain is done speaking the gnome will place a large oversized hat with a huge flamboyant feather across his chest and takes a very dramatic bow to his host.Venture-Captain thank you for the honor to serve the society, I will prepare for the journey at once.

Pizzmic will exit the room with haste and waits for the party to gather outside before making introductions. Pizzmic walks over to the others and does a similar bow as before. Greeting fellow pathfinders I am Pizzmic formally of Shallowmire, I'm pleased to meet your acquaintance. I guess we shouldn't keep Master Katheer waiting... Does anyone need to make any preparations before we leave? Pizzmic scans his companion's expressions for any smirks or darting glares at his comment before continuing the small talk until the arrangements are taken care of the party heads off to Lopul. He will attempt to connect with the other travelers during the journey telling some stories of his life and often bringing conversation somehow back to something he can relate too. He hides his disdain for the hot climate to himself ever so often insisting from time to time that Doggrin is becoming overheated and needs to rest a bit, Doggrin seems relatively unphased by the heat while pizzmic cowers under any available shade that presents itself.

When the city finally emerges into sight Pizzmic begins to flutter with excitement. Ugh finally tonight i'll be able to bathe away this entire debacle....just in time to transport a two week old corpse in this sweltering heat...damn it all!

Ashen walks over to the gnome. Curious about his little companion
She speaks in her whispering voice
"Greetings. Ashen is my name. Might I have a look at your companion?"

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Why surely Madam.... Pizzmic bending over claps his hands a couple times. COME HERE BOY! A oafey mastif barrels towards the small gnome at full speed disregarding any obstacles or individuals that would block his path . HEEL HEEEL!!!!! The gnome frantically waves his hands back and forth at the dog ordering him to stop. Doggrin attempting to heed his master's beckoning skids his hindquarters along the cobblestone walk stopping a few feet short of the weary gnome. the dog waits anxiously as Pizzmic approaches wagging his tail profusely the entire time. Pulling a lease from the one saddle bag Pizzmic attaches it to the dog's collar and walks the prancing dog over to Ashen. He's a little rambunctious but a fiercely loyal companion. SIT BOY! You can pet him if you want he's quite affectionate

She flinches a bit as he screams out. But she did giggle as the dog almost ran over him
Hesitantly she reaches out. Took her about 3 attempts before she pets him properly
"Thats a good boy" she says softly before turning to the gnome again, smiling
"You are lucky, hope he serves you well in life and in death"

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Alia looks over excitedly, but says nothing, scarcely listening to the Venture-Captain.

Does he not recognize me? I'm a mess in this heat, but still... Alia looks down ruefully at her dusty and road-savaged clothes. A far cry from the Absalom finery, when we first met! Well, me at least. Trust him to travel in style!

With what she hopes looks like a practiced eye, she looks over her fellow Society agents, and is stunned to realize that no less than two of the others look...aasimar! I come to the end of the world, and of course, I find others like me. And...

Alia lets out a joyous whoop, bending down to hug the befuddled gnome. Lord Pizzmic!! she smiles, embracing her old friend. Sarenrae, be blessed, it is so good to see you here!

Manners, girl! With a bemused grimace, Alia steps back from Lord Pizzmic, and turns to her other team mates. I'm sorry: Pizzmic and I started out in the Society together, and we've shared a couple adventures. No finer companion is to be had, except for...who is this handsome lad? With a delighted squeal, she strokes the muscled shoulders of Pizzmic's hound.

My name is Alia. I am pleased to meet you all.

"Alia, nice to meet you too" she smiled again under her hood and mask. She felt strangely out among these people, but then again, shes always been the outsider. She giggles at her own joke

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eying Nicolae for a second before speaking "yes the pleasure is all mine glad to see another survivor Inheritor knows that we were all put thru trials in that city" scanning the rest of the group she lets out a small chuckle at least we have a interesting bunch for this adventure

And with that you travel into Lopul. In order to find the house of the pathfinder I'll need a 10 Diplomacy or Local Check

Nicolae starts to ask around the people on the street, eager to get out of the sun.

Diplom: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20

It takes no time at all for Nicolae to discover the home of the now dead pathfinder. A small mud-brick, domed dwelling lies at the end of a humble, sandy street here in the heart of the caravan city. The scent of the nearby oasis still reaches you, and a hive of bees, attracted by the nearby water, hangs from a date palm next to the house. The wails of mourners and cries of women and children reach your ears, and you can see a small crowd gathered outside the house’s single door, its members crying and tearing their garments. Whether professionally hired mourners or sorrow-filled residents outpouring legitimate grief for the loss of a local hero is unclear, but the emotion seems genuine enough.

Ashen was clearly upset about all the noise. She holds her ears
"Too loud..." she hisses

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Following Nicolae thankful that someone knows there way around this oasis stopping to look at the gathered crowd. this man must have been much loved or very wealthy Imperia thinks to herself smiling at Ashen's hissing as she herself finds a shady spot to rest herself content on trying to figure out who is who amongst the gathered mourners.

The newfound joy of sharing a mission with an old compatriot is deeply contrasted by the mourning and sadness of loss around her. Be respectful, Alia. You represent The Society, Taldor, and the name of Charybdis.

Alia mutes her expression, her mien somber.

Alia its pretty awesome that our characters are the still level one all these months later and we randomly meet on the boards again...Yay paizo! You have changed the profile picture i see

Alia my dear! I didn't recognize you with the new haircut how have you been?....Oh this is my noble steed Doggrin, i figured it prudent being I didnt have access to Sunic's shoulders to find a mount more suited for my needs.

diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14 Pizzmic asks a few locals for directions eventually making his way to the house but somehow the rogue stumbled upon it before him. Well look at all these people, its been two weeks no one mourns like this at least not in public

Pizzmic will enter the house of the former Venture-Captain removing his hat and placing it in both hands will ask to speak with whoever has been charged with looking after the estate. Once shown who to speak to Pizzmic will begin harnessing a somber expression before approaching the individual(s). Hello my name is Pizzmic my party and I have been sent by the Society to escort Venture-Captain Targos Min-Katheer on his final journey back to his home city. We are humbly at your service. He bows again and waits for any responses.

Several men in sackcloth with ashes poured over their freshly shaved heads await inside.Their faces are sickly pale under the coating of ashes, and some of their ears are missing. Their hands are wrapped in dirty bandages.

"Welcome strangers, what bring you here?" a man comes from the bed room wearing a mask shaped like a black jackal's head and priests robes.

"Ah I see," the man continues, "You must be pathfinders sent to escort his body to his finial resting place. I am Ben-Garri, and his body is almost ready to be transported. If you return tomorrow it will be ready for you to take."

K.Religeon: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

She eyes the simbol and those around. Death. "Why do people take it so seriously?"

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SM: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
"Mother of Monsters? Why would you mourn a fallen pathfinder if you follow her?"

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The fools act as though they think death is the end, Ashia thinks when confronted with the throngs of mourners.

Knowledge (religion): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

Lamashtu? Odd... I'll be ready for trouble, but as long as they don't try to hinder our mission, I'm not terribly concerned who they worship.

heal: 1d20 ⇒ 10
sense motive: 1d20 ⇒ 1

Pizzmic smells the odor from within the room quickly notices the grotesque hosts....instinctively He reaches out to give the closest man a handshake before quickly recoiling his arm and scratching the back of his neck nervously... His body wasn't prepared before our arrival? What other preparations need to be taken, just an inquisitive mind and all. Pizzmic asks very non-threatening with a puzzled slightly confounded expression. Pathetic people these lepers... two weeks and they can't even have the corpse ready...ugh pathetic indeed....is he missing an ear?!....EWWWW...
knowledge local Ben-Garri: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

Well being we have the pleasure of staying in this beautiful city over night do you have any recommendations? Pizzmic being creeped out by the entire situation will continue to make small talk until seeing his opening in the conversation to take his leave. Pizzmic will seem very interested in the lepers words referring to him by name when appropriate.

After getting the information needed Pizzmic will return to Alia and the others. Ushering the human cleric down to his level he whispers to his companions. Does it seem odd to any of you that they would let lepers within city limits? I always thought they lived in separate colonies excluded from the normal population....Hmmmm peculiar place indeed. Pizzmic will shrug his shoulders at Alia. Come 'er Boi' He mounts the noble steed sitting nearly shoulder high with his human counterparts awaiting for suggestions for the next coarse of action.

perception: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (16) - 1 = 15
kn religion: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
SM: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14
heal: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (12) - 1 = 11

looking at the marked man Lexia quickly scans him for any evil aura making sure she is far away from any of the infected people this just keeps getting better and better she thinks to herself.

I should prob roll heal too... :P
Heal Check: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

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Does anything stop us from taking 10 on that heal check? I probably could/should have done so with that knowledge check too.

Lexia informs her companions on the situation hoping that her team is all on the same page.

any thing I find out you are more than welcome to assume I have told the group

Our caravan leaves today. We dont have time to stay overnight. Turning to the prist and the leapers. We are taking that body with us now. Out of our way with you lot! Nicolae says, both hands in hilts of his swords.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

wait is our caravan leaving today?

raising a eyebrow to her companions words Lexia slowly moves her hand to her sword ready to strike down the cleric should he prove hostile or to restrain her companion if he decides to start murdering the guests. where do they find these people she thinks to herself resigning herself to the fact that this may not be a walk in the park as previously predicted.

"There's no need for such hostility," Ashia says, shooting Nicolae a disapproving look.

"I apologize for my brazen companion, but I suppose we really must insist on knowing what the mother of monsters has planned for the remains of our poor venture captain."

"This isnt going as planned. I hoped for an easy trip..." she begins to move to back as not to get between people and their blades

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Turning from the whispers of the paladin, Imperia, Alia looks up, startled.

Errmm...

Think quickly, Alia. She turns, to address the gathered throng.

I am afraid that we are under orders, expressly wished by the former Venture-Captain, to escort his mortal remains to his home city. We do apologize for the haste, but it was the deceased's explicit orders.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16

She turns, to shoot a puzzled look at Pizzmic: What in Nine Hells...?

wait is our caravan leaving today?

It better be.

Lamashtu is a Demon Lord! And Desna's sworn enemy. Says the varisian.
Yes, there is much need for hostility!

frowning at Nicolae's words ." I seem to be forgetting the part in our brief where we slaughter the funeral guests for your petty religious beliefs." She says in a accusing tone before turning to face the masked man hand still on the hilt of her sword a smile playing across her face. "I apologize if we have ruined your funeral party I think the heat has gotten to his head"

diplomacy aid: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10
or not

That's a successful aid, Lexia. I suppose I should also have rolled diplomacy though it might have to be an aid roll at this point.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

My petty religious beliefs?! I am sorry, I seem to remember you fighting in the cruzade at the Worldwound. Maybe it was somebody else...
How can you call yourself a paladin of Iomedae while letting demom's cultists desecrate a fellow pathinder's corpse?

Taking a deep breath trying to focus and control his temper. These people are not guests, they are grave robbers! Targos has been dead for weeks already, his funeral is long gone. Those fools are outside crying and yelling to cover the noise of what they are doing in here! I know a good con when I see one and this guys are pros.

"As far as I can tell no one has desecrated anything yet," Ashia points out flatly. "I'm not saying that he couldn't possibly have that intention, but, if he does, I don't really care as long as it doesn't stop us from delivering the corpse as planned."

Turning back to Ben-Garri, she continues. "Now, again, I must insist that you explain yourself further. I would really appreciate knowing how much additional and unanticipated effort his assignment will require," she says with the slightest hint of impatience. "I had intended to enjoy my time in my homeland."

Doh! Minutes too late to edit. Not homeland... read that as "in such a comfortable and familiar climate." Don't know what I was thinking.

feeling a twitch of anger Lexia feels her hands instinctively moving to the large master-crafted sword hanging along her hip rolling her eyes at Nicolae as he continues his rant at least he is not attacking the dinner guest anymore she thinks "Yes I was drawn to battle during the siege of the diamond city but do not mistake me for a common crusader or over religious zealot . also I is not you or I who gives me my divide power but the Inheritor herself so do not question my righteousness as far as your wild theory as this being a scam" she says letting out a chuckle

" Not every thing is black and white not all monster evil and not all angles good we have a job to do and unless you present me evidence other than you have a feeling do not expect me to be wildly killing others like a murderous vagabond" pausing to let her words sink in she adds "besides Iomedae is the goddess of justice I would suggest that you learn the meaning before you insult her followers." she says walking away trying to find a shady place where nothing was bothering her.

What in the Gods? Pizzmic hurriedly dismounts his noble steed taps himself with a wand of mage armor then rushes back into the house. Nicolae Tiberius! you are a pathfinder find your resolve sir! Your personal convictions matter not while you represent the society. This behavior is very unbecoming and i implore you please take your leave before making any bigger of a spectacle and further dishonor our esteemed colleague.diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16

Pizzmic not waiting for a response looks to the leper clerics. Gentleman I apologize for any offense we may have caused, our journey has been long and toilsome. Do you think it would be possible to rush the proceedings just to appease our overly exuberant companion? Pizzmic will roll his eyes when saying the last bit with back his back turned to the rogue fighter to show his utter disgust with the outburst.Hopefully distancing himself and the rest of the party from being blindly associated with the rogue. diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23

Ben-Garri looks supporised and slightly hurt, "I am sorry you feel that way Varasian. It is true that our gods are enemies, but I was a friend to the Captian, as he was kind to us lepers. His voice begins to rise I understand that you are in a hurry, but his body was not properly prepared for transport and we are trying to make sure he doesn't fall apart on the journey. So if you'd alow me to finish my work, you may come back tomorrow!"

SM: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
I hope that I am getting my bad rolls out of the way now lol

Giving her companion a smug "I told you so" look Lexia returns to leisurely enjoying the shade for a plagued cultist he may not be that bad she thinks to herself "Excuse me is there a inn in the area that you would recommend that we stay before heading out tomorrow?" she asks the creature "also where is the caravan staging point we should try to get things in order while we still can"

I am not leaving this house without that body... demon-lover.

Turning he whispers to his companions. You guys want to spend two weeks with a corpse that was prep by the Lamashtu's clergy? You all should have your heads examined! Even if you dont care about Targos's soul I dont who knows what they will put it INSIDE!

SM: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

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"I will stay here at the back. I dont like swords or stuff. They get messy quickly"

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Pizzmic realizing he is getting no where with the cantankerous rogue turns to the clergymen bows again Well thank you gentlemen i shall return tomorrow and again i truly apologize for the inconvenience.Pizzmic then walks out of the building again, mounting his noble steed and turns to Alia. Alia my dear would you like to have a drink and get out of this heat? I'll buy the first round everyone lets leave these men to their work. Pizzmic will continue unto the Inn/tavern stopping just outside waiting for everyone who follows to catch up.

"Is everything okay in there?" the quiet aasimar asked the gnome as he exited the building
"I was sure a fight was going to erupt"

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