[PFS] First Steps, part I: In Service to Lore (Table 1) (Inactive)

Game Master StephNyan

Fresh off their induction into the Society and the completion of their basic training within the organization, you find yourselves 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 your 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."

"Every day we get some doe-eyed hopeful or some sniveling bootlicker willing to do anything to join up with the Pathfinders. Most of them are good kids, but not all of them have the salt to make it in a world like this. It’s rough out there and I’m not just talking about the ruins, tombs, and wilderness Pathfinders find themselves in on missions. We’ve got people who look down their noses at us, folks who think we squander our resources, and agents who want to take everything we have collected. This wealth of knowledge and these items of lore make us the most powerful organization on the planet. That said, since we are fractured and widespread, it’s difficult for that power to light on anything for too long. For every friend of the Society, there are two enemies."

Ambrus gives all of you an envelope containing a handout outlining your tasks.

"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."

With her arms folded, Muchiko quietly listens to what is being said.
Rough out there? I've lived in that wilderness for close to 18 years. I doubt any of these greenhorns would make it that long.

She goes over the note, seeing nothing extraordinary on the 1st two paragraphs.
But the 3rd touches a snare deep down inside Muchiko.
Despite her life with the tribe, which gave her purpose, she remembers she was orphaned too.
No use wasting time on the far past.
She stands still, as if waiting for something...

"I can assure you that I will work hard to complete the tasks assigned. I hope there isn't any trouble, but" Mary looks at the group of characters around her "I'm sure my new found partners and soon to be friends can handle any trouble."

Mary extends her hand to Muchiko. "Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Mary, I'm glad to meet you. That's a nice shortbow you have. And spear. And net. My you are very prepared! I certainly hope that I can shoot my arrows straight and not embarrass myself in front of you." Mary smiles, happy to have someone that well prepared in her group on her first task.

Not knowing what to do when venture-captain Ambrus Valsin begins his speech, Evan tries to stand at attention like he has seen the city guard do when on duty but fails at it miserably.

...Am I doing this right... Shuffling for one foot to the other Evan looks at the other recruits trying to act like them. ...Wow that guy is tall and those ladies are stern looking...well it will not be hard to be overlooked in this group...

By the end of the speech, that he heard none of, Evan is standing with his arms crossed trying to put a stern look on his face and accidentally holding his breath.

Seeing one of the women break the ice by introducing herself Evan let's out a big breath and walks up to the women. "Hello ladies, my name is Evan and my I say you both look...like you could break me in half and that guy over there could probably swallow me whole. ha ha ha ha" Seeing their confused looks Evan gives them a big smile. "Do not get me wrong you are just the type I people I like to hang out with. Not that I want to be swallowed whole or anything, but you all look like you can handle yourself's in a fight, which is good because I am runner not a fighter. Anyone getting hungry? Don't look at me like that big fellow!"

Mary turns to Evan. Wow, I somehow missed him. He's a bit sneaky!

"Hello Evan. My name is Mary Dontingham, and it is a pleasure to meet you." Mary extends her hand down toward the Halfling. "I must say, the gods have all given us something to contribute as long as we focus. I suppose with all that running that you do, you'd know the fastest path in Absolom to accomplish our task?"

"I was thinking of starting at the last item on the list in the Ivy District, moving to the Wise Quarter, then to the Ascendent Court and finally making our way to the docks. Who knows, when we finish we might have time to have some fish for dinner at the docks to celebrate our completed mission."

Bowing to Mary, shaking her hand gently and giving her a big bright smile."Well met young lady, the pleasure is all mine and yes I know the city like the top of my hairy feet. Your route may sound the fastest but it all depends on the time of day. For instance you do not want to be near the docks in the morning on a good tide or in the Wise quarter during a festival to one of the Gods. So let's get a little information now to save us a lot of time later."

Ambrus sighs heavily. "What is it you need to know before you finally get going?"

These youngsters do a lot of talking, but they're not moving yet...

Feel free to visit shops at any time during the scenario. Just let me know what you'll buy and include the official price for such an item.

Vitarri towered over the other recruits, his wooden symbol of Gorum hanging from his neck and battered armor were a sure sign of his chosen profession. Graceful white feathers laid flat along the sides of his temples and some were frilled along the back of his head giving him a somewhat birdlike appearance. He quietly listened to what the Captain had to say, his golden eyes cold and seemingly uncaring as he took up the parchment. He grunted lightly at the tasks set before him, hoping silently that they'd encounter trouble. When he spoke it was in an even tone. "Simple enough." He rolled up the parchment and slides it up his armored sleeve. As the others chatted among themselves he looked to the Captain and gave a partial salute. "Permission to be dismissed Captain."

Upon the reached out hand from the armored woman, Muchiko reaches out her own.
"Hello, i am Muchiko.
Yes, one is better off prepared. As for the net, i haven't seen a single person yet who uses one. It's quite practical."

After the introductions, a halfling steps up.
Curious little guy. Then again, i haven't had any dealings yet with his kind.

At the tone of the venture captain Muchiko looks at the closest two,
"Shall we be off then? It seems we'll be busy."

Once dismissed Vitarri quietly exits, beginning to make his way to the docks, heading for The Pickled Imp. He glances over his shoulder to see whether the others are following but doesn't stop as he intended to get these tasks done quickly.

The venture-captain nods at Vitarri. "I trust the four of you to handle the given tasks properly. Dismissed." He walks off into the direction of the canteen.

Now to get some coffee and a bagel.

Will the group follow Vitarri?

To prevent him from wandering into a dark alley by himself?.....
dunno. The tribal part of Muchiko would say it's his own fault if anything happens, the human part says we'd better. 1d2, 1 says nah..2 says
shout for him to wait.

To go, or not to go: 1d2 ⇒ 2
Stepping outside, Muchiko looks left and right before spotting the tall guy.
"Wait up. If a group as a whole is dealt a task, wandering off alone is rude."

Vitarri pauses at Muchiko's words, looking back at the woman. His golden eyes assessed her for the briefest moment before he started to walk back towards where she stood. It was one of the few times he smiled. "I'm just eager to be on with this." He holds out his shield (left) hand in greeting. "Vitarri."

Mary turns to Evan in a puzzled look. "Did you catch that tall guy's name? I'm sure someone wouldn't just walk in and walk out without at least saying hello or giving us their name. Perhaps I missed it."

Mary calmly walks out of the Pathfinder lodge and looks around.

Mary looks back at Evan. "So, you say you can run huh? Might need that sooner than expected."

Something was said in a softr, or lower??, tone.
Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
But not quite soft enough.
Shaking the man's hand she introduced herself.
"Muchiko, how do you do.
I'm also eager to complete the assignment.", she added with a slight meaning smile, waiting for the other 2 to catch up.

Mary, i'm guessing Vitarri's hard to miss if he's a tall guy.

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14

His tone was marginally lighter, more respectful in a way as he responded to Muchiko. "Better now."

His smile faded just as the younger warrior started talking. When she stepped out, oblivious to his presence for a short moment before he offered her his sword hand in greeting. His handshake was akin to sticking ones hand in a vice, or at least he attempted to test the strength of what he assumed was her sword hand...

He returned to his even tone as his golden eyes assessed Mary. "Vitarri."

I don't know how tall Mary is but Vitarri is 6'5" (My real life height :D).

Turning her head almost simultaniously with Vitarri as Mary stepped outside....
Cue the figural arrow pointing at Vitarri and Muchiko. :)
Yes...she's not having her day i guess.

You lucky man, i'm at 6'8. Issues with clothes and shoes.
Also, i know the feeling of a vicegrip, my late grandad was a butcher. No escaping a grip like that kind...

So where will you go first?

"Well...HEY!! Wait for me. Seeing the others quickly leave the lodge Evan hurries after them, nearly running into Mary as she stops quickly right out side the door. "No mama, did not get the big mans name. After going over your route in my mind and givin' the day and time it should be the fastest way to finish are mission. By the way do you know how to work one of these?" Evan holds ups his crossbow with a bolt in it loaded backward.

Vitarri wraps up his introductions with the others, quirking an eyebrow at the overly talkitive halfing and noting with no small amount of surprise in the grip strength Mary had. He had underestimated his partners this time and perhaps it would prove to be more interesting soon enough.

"I had planned on completing these one after the other starting with the Curio shop. Any alternate idea's?"

Mary looks at the backwards bolt. "You know, you should probably stick to running than shooting." She switches the bolt back the right way and hands it back to the short fellow. "Do you see where the other two went? I can't find them. They seemed in an awful hurry, but by splitting up it actually slowed us down. And yes, I thought my route was probably the fastest way to do it since there is no back tracking involved."

"Going by the map, i'll 2nd your suggestion. It's the direct route."

Okay, Curio's shop it is. Please roll Perception!

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
Many years of tribal life ftw.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

"There they are!" Pointing at Muchiko and the tall guy.

Mary follows after Evan through the crowded streets. Why are the moving towards the docks? That's just going to take twice as long. I don't even know who that tall guy is. Perhaps Muchiko knows him. Perhaps he's embarrassed to talk to me like so many other men.

Please wait for everyone to have rolled perception, and I'll move the game on with the next scene.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14

The Docks District

As the party moves into the Docks District you all notice how the streets are more crowded here. A lot of the people on the streets are dock workers, but there's plenty of housewives doing grocery shopping, young lads flirting with lasses, and neighbors spreading gossip. In between the houses there are several shops, often with a living place on the next floor. You do see an increasing amount of storage houses, which also appear to increase in volume the closer you get to the actual docks.

Those of you who rolled 15 or higher, use the rolls to look into this spoiler. Evan your first Perception roll was meant for something different, wasn't it? Vitarri still gets to make his roll.

The Pickled Imp

The party eventually arrives at The Pickled Imp. This creepy shop contains myriad odds and ends, most bereft of any discernible use. A number of malformed creatures and creature parts bob in jars on a long, prominent shelf, a tiny fetal devil centered in this macabre lineup. The shopkeeper, a greasy-haired Varisian with a thin mustache, shouts from behind the cluttered counter: "Ah yes, I see the Pathfinders have arrived. I’m glad Ambrus was able to lend a few of his new recruits to help me. Please come in and let me tell you what I need."

Looking around as if to be absolutely certain no customers are browsing the aisles of knock-off Thuvian burial urns or supposed Azlanti porcelain, he begins again. "Well met. I am Guaril Karela. A friend of mine has a warehouse near here and he received a parcel on behalf of me and some of my associates, but there’s a problem. See, Master Gelbane had to leave town in a hurry and our shipment is still waiting at his warehouse. Rumor is he ended up in trouble with the law and the place was seized. I heard tell from someone down at the docks that some creep was snooping around his warehouse just the other night, so I want to make sure nothing of mine was taken. He keeps all kinds of things, from beer to nails, in that old pelican, but every now and then he stores something really special. This is one of those cases."

"There’s a big crate marked with three crows arranged in a triangle. Inside that crate is a smaller container with a few books and papers in it. That’s the only parcel I’m interested in, and as far as I’m concerned, you can help yourself to the rest of the crate. Honestly, anything else you want in the place too. I’m sure the once things get sorted out, the city will seize most everything else anyway."

"My associates and I often work with the Pathfinders when it comes to special relics and documents, getting them in and out of ports and across borders where the authorities ask too many questions. Most people don’t realize what they have and frankly many don’t deserve to have it, so sometimes we help take the goods off their hands. If things work out well and you get this done, I’d be glad to talk with you more and help you out with any future endeavors, as long as you help me out too. I’m good at returning favors, trust me."

Evan is in heaven, he does not know where to look as they pass through the shop. "Is that?...Hey, I had one of those once...do you think I can borrow that?...

When Guaril begins his speech Evan tries to stand still and puts his hands in his pockets just to be safe. ...ok this is a friend of the Pathfinders, I have to be "nicer" then usual...

After Guaril finishes, Evan wiggles his way between Mary and the big feathery guy, extending his hand to the shop owner.
"Hello, my name is Evan. You have a wonderful shop here. Where did you get all this stuff? Was that a dragon's eye I saw back there? So what are the book about that we are retrieving? Can I borrow that spyglass I saw for the job? I saw you had some reed baskets hanging over there, you know my family made reed baskets, well that was before they where killed. Those look very high quality thou. So is the warehouse being watched or guarded by the authorities that confiscated it? If so, what is the best time to ask if we can be let in? Wow, is that urn hand painted? That is great work..... on and on and on

Mary puts her hand on Evan's hairy head, and then moves her finger down his face and eventually over his lips in the "shhh" position, slowly getting the rambling halfling to stop talking. Mary smiles as the halfling slowly stops talking.

"Well met indeed Guaril Karela. My name is Mary Dontingham, member of the Pathfinder society as are my three fellow companions. While we are authorized to indeed help you, uh," Mary pulls the parchment from her sleeve and reads it, "quote 'fill his request as a favor', unquote, I would hope that you can provide proof that this crate with three crows arranged in a triangle is indeed yours. I know that sometimes formalities like this can be annoying, but as a successful businessman I'm sure you do keep quality records of shipments, especially when your vendors have suddenly ended up with some trouble with the law."

"And of course, one more thing. Should there be something we need to know about these books? Could they cause any trouble? Because," Mary lowers her voice dramatically, almost to a whisper, "none of my companions want any surprises with this shipment. They could be quite angry if we discover we're transporting something dangerous and weren't told before hand. Who knows what they might do to a shopkeeper that didn't tell the whole truth ahead of time? So, maybe you forgot to give us all the details. Try to think of those details as you go find the proof of ownership. We'll be right here."

.
Evan will wander the shop. tailing Guaril just to keep an eye one him. If he notices, Evan will babble about some random item near by.

Perception - Fail: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

Apologies for the wait, was sleeping... :( Night shift~

The halflings constant babbling was a distraction. His accentual death at the hands of his misaligned crossbow would have been regrettable but he just never seemed to stop talking. Vitarri suffered through the inane babble in stoic silence, however he wasn't able to focus on there surroundings right up until they arrived in the Curio shop.

Evan your a riot. If I was a rogue it would be fun borrowing some stuff with ya~ lol

Once at the shop he silently listens to the shop keeper talk while glancing at his wears. When the younger warrior, Mary, started he left to her, she had a sweet voice and more then likely was able to get her way more then he could. Instead he hung back at the door of the shop and watched the street. Feigning a bored expression as his fierce eyes searched for anything out of place.

Mary, that sounds more like a mild form of intimidate than diplomacy. ;)
Still, you got the nice nat. 20

Muchiko was surprised by the weird objects throughout the shop.
Well, would you look at that. A demon foetus. Heh, i'd say chief Grok would have eaten it thinking it a strenght boon.

.

Evan will wander the shop. tailing Guaril just to keep an eye one him. If he notices, Evan will babble about some random item near by.

** spoiler omitted **

Here is a Bluff roll just in case I need it Bluff: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

Thanks Vitarri

I figured I best fall in line with everyone to make it easier for the DM. So Sense Motive to tell if we are being hoodwinked and perception for Vitarri keeping his eye out for anything strange. :)

Guaril shakes Evan's hand and is about to answer the halfling's first question when another question is asked. The shop owner closes his mouth again, nods, and is about to answer when Evan asks his next question. Again, Guaril closes his mouth. This process repeats a few times before a vein starts to throb above Guaril's eye, and the man is obviously annoyed by Evan when Mary comes over and silences the little man.

Thank Abadar, it stopped talking!

With a smile at the pretty lady who saved him, Guaril replies to her. "Nice to meet you, lady Mary."

The smile slowly disappears when Mary starts asking the questions. This time the shop owner starts sweating, and looks around with a an expression of increasing anxiety. "I-i-it's completely legal!", Guaril exclaims, obviously leaving something out.

Why'd the halfling stop talking?! This woman's worse!

"It's time you leave!", Guaril says and runs for the door. "When you step out of the shop, go left. Then follow the streets until you're at the third intersection, where you turn left again. Just follow that street to end up at the warehouse. Quick, quick! I haven't got all day!"

Muchiko saw the short conversation cut even shorter with Guaril's comment.
"Hmpf. Never mind the man, let's get on with our business. The note said we should treat them without being rude.
Ironically, you have to do a favor to the one who actually got rude with us."

@StephNyanLOL xD

The smallest smirk appears on Vitarri's face as he exits the shop, making sure to go left as instructed. He wasn't wanting to wreck what little rapport they had left with the shopkeeper by being stubborn, they had a job to finish after all. He made sure to keep an even pace with the group this time. Nodding at Muchiko's comment before speaking. "That went well." A tinge of humor broke his even tone momentarily and after his strange outburst he says little else for a time.

Once they had gotten a ways away from the shop he started to shrug his shoulders and started to loosen up before speaking in his usual even tone at Mary. "You stirred him up at the end there Miss. I am half curious as to what you whispered that had him so... nervous." His smirk returned for the briefest moment. He half hoped that whoever was snooping was around so they could have Mary question them next.

Mary walks out of the shop giving the Guaril a long, intense look and whispers as she passes by him, "Abadar is watching you through my eyes."

Turning to the big tall feather guy, a bit surprised that he addressed her, she responds, "I whispered that I figured you didn't like being lied to. I'm actually surprised everyone walked out. I was going to let you, um, encourage him a bit to be more forthcoming, while I looked around at the warehouse."

Mary thinks hard for a moment, obviously very conflicted. How do we justify getting this without proof of ownership?

Speaking to everyone, she says "Maybe we'll be doing society a favor of getting rid of these obviously dangerous books. Perhaps we're a bit more qualified to deal with it, and better that we get them than someone of more nefarious goals."

Looking back at the tall man, she continues "And I now realize that perhaps you are a man of few words, while I grew up talking. I'm Mary Dontingham and you are obviously a very religious man following Gorum from the symbol on your neck. I'm honored to be your companion in this adventure."

Turning back to everyone, Mary clarifies "Unlike some of my more stubborn paladin brothers, I understand that sometimes getting information and cooperation by force can lead to the greater good and safety of many. I always try first to do it the right way, but perhaps I can leave it in your capable hands to get it the hard way. Ahh, there I go again talking all the time. Best we get on with it."

Greater good? ==> greater good

Guaril's eyes follow Mary anxiously. "Remember if you fail this task, it will have consequences", he warns her, then quickly looks away from her.

StephNyan: I assumed we were further away lol ;)

Vitarri smiled, he hadn't expected such a noble soul to suggest such a simplistic retribution to a patron. It was humorous though. He then grimaced under the hail of Mary's words before responding. "My name is Vitarri." He considered his words carefully as he spoke. "The Lord of Iron's will is simple. Defeat your enemy and seek greater challenges daily."

His intense stare returns as he continues speaking, his even tone well measured. "I won't assume to know better then the society. Nor do I care who owns the books, if they were abandoned then they are open to whoever takes them. We were entrusted this simple task so lets not shame our employer."

And if he betrays the Society, they'll break his neck like a toothpick.

@Vitarri: Guaril says it when Mary passes him as she leaves the shop.

Gotcha. :)

As he is getting pushed out the door by Guaril. ”Was that a right then a left? As the door slams behind them Evan looks at the group with a confused look. ”Did I say something wrong? Shrugging his shoulders ”Patherfinder’s sure do have interesting friends.” Without skipping a beat Evan runs to catch up with the tall feathery guy. ”Hi, I do not believe we have been formally or informally introduced, I’am Evan Everscared. Extending his hand above his head as far as he can. ”Wow, you are as tall as a tree! I once climbed a tree it had large red leaves and white bark. Those feathers real? You look like an angel…oh..oh…oh do you know the Gods? on and on and on

Anybody feel like Evan could be the ideal tool for an interrogation?
Tie the NPC to a chair and leave him/her alone with Evan until they want to talk.

Vitarri had only just finished speaking to Mary when Evan pipped up. His quick speech was hard to keep up with and he tried to not crush the halflingshand as it was far smaller then his own. "Vitarri."

At his endless array of questions Vitarri answered simply. "Just luck. Interesting Story. Yes, the wings are useless. Somewhat and No." He tries to silence the halfling politely before asking. "Where do your abilities lie Evan?" Best they figure out their roles they would play if the time came, he especially wanted to know who he would have to focus on...