I'm Gerald posting as such in this thread. I hope i didnt confuse anyone by posting as Shel in the discussion thread.
I am not in the Mists of Mwangi game.
I haven't got my character sheet completely ready just yet for the AotKotI game, but I suspect I will be running Hagrym, dwarf inquisitor of Gorum in this game.
Ahh sorry DMB!
Hi, I'm Troy McClur...I mean theheadkase posting here as Grundle Farbon!
You may remember me from such films as...
Curaigh playing Seaweed in Assault & VT/GM in Mists of Mwangi.
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Called from the far reaching corners of the Inner Sea, if not even further and more obscure locations throughout Golarion, you have been summoned to play the part of heroes and champions of the Society of Pathfinders, once more. Any contacts you might have, may have notified you that this one was, odd. Both in the implication of a far off land that few have seen, but also that the rumors about the mission itself are, . . . peculiar.
The city of Padiskar near the northern tip of the Isle of Jalmeray is not so much a city as a ring of small villages surrounding a massive, howling ruin, from which terrifying screams of whatever the Vudrani Maharaja Khiben-Sald left there in ancient times can still be heard. The new Venture-Captain Vasuman Mihir maintains a small safe house for the Pathfinder Society here, taking over from Padiskar’s longtime Venture-Captain Aamina Shahrazad, who was recently murdered by men loyal to Zamir, a bandit lord and rumored Aspis Consortium agent who operates out of the nearby jungles.
Venture-Captain Mihir’s briefing was short and serious. “This is a fake scepter of the arclords,” he said, hefting a bejeweled staff in his hands bearing glowing runes across its surface. “You will lead a caravan toward Niswan carrying this false relic and several crates of minor magical items. My porter, a young boy named Waman, will give you a detailed travel itinerary, which you must follow with care. Except that it is almost certain that you will be ambushed before you reach your destination, since young Waman is a spy for the Aspis Consortium and has sold out and murdered a dozen or more of our brethren and associates, including our former venturecaptain— I’m sure of it.
The scepter is bait in a trap, and you are the teeth. Do not let on to Waman that you know of his transgressions—we need him to lead us to his master, the bandit lord Zamir. We’ll either make Zamir our man or disrupt his business permanently. I’ll deal with Waman myself once this affair is resolved.”
Venture-Captain Mihir held up a second item, a plain-looking but easily recognizable wayfinder. “This wayfinder is also a fake, although unlike the scepter, it does have real power. The dial always points to the scepter.” Mihir demonstrated, moving the wayfinder in a circle around the scepter, the needle pointing unerringly at it.
“Waman gave Zamir information that enabled the bandit fool to steal artifacts from dozens of our caravans and even from safe houses such as this one. Zamir has a method of disassembling the artifacts so that he can smuggle them off the island with ease, bound for ports of call in Cheliax. What we do not know is where Zamir is, since he never attacks with his men.”
“I gave Waman the information about your journey, so at some point along the route, Zamir’s bandits will ambush you. Previous experience indicates that his bandits will not kill if they don’t have to. Let them steal the scepter. You must put up a small struggle, maybe even kill or injure several of his men, but most importantly you must let them escape and they must escape with the scepter.”
“Give them a few hours after the ambush to escape and then use the wayfinder to track Zamir to his hideout. Zamir is an arrogant man whose loyalties lie with whoever can make him famous to the people of Jalmeray. Right now he believes the Aspis Consortium is the answer. You will either convince him that the Society is the answer—as he could be a very powerful ally in the region—or you’ll end his operations for good. Good luck on your journey and may the gods guide your hand.”
"You can locate Waman in the safe house. He carries a map of the area, as well as the details of your travel. Before you leave, which my understanding will be in two day's time, return to me, without Waman or anyone else who is not in this room, for additional information. Any questions or concerns?"
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The dwarf in the corner nods eagerly at the details of the mission. His eyes gleamed as his duty was explained to him. His armor and weapons had seen use...it was clear this dwarf liked to fight,
He was older than most new dwarven recruits to the Society, but for the untrained eye, it was difficult to tell. He waited to see if anyone else in the room was going to ask a question before he stood and took his exit.
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A rather imposing large man occupies a corner of the room and listens intently. His armor is polished to a mirror like finish, and the weapon stowed on his back, looks unusual to say the least. A look of confusion crosses his face as he begins to break the silence. His voice bellows despite his attempt at soft talk.
So... Uh You like want us to lose or something? I was taught never to draw blood unless you intend to bathe in it. This plan sounds kinda dumb to me. Just sayin'
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So... Uh You like want us to lose or something? I was taught never to draw blood unless you intend to bathe in it. This plan sounds kinda dumb to me. Just sayin'
Mihir weighs your question a bit before responding, "Think about it like this warrior, if it will help you to better focus on the task, you are expected to toy with your prey. Pretend to loose, so that the Society, that is to say you for the Society, can track Zamir's agents back to their base of operations, a location we have not been able to find, and from there, well as I said, "how you handle it, I leave to you" . . . ".
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"This better be jus' as straightforward as yer makin' it out ter be. I've had jus' 'bout enough of the Society's Venture-whatevers always leavin' out the tricky bit." Grundle eyes the Venture-Captain with a glare. "This Zamir, he keep slaves?" As he says this last part, he fingers the spiked chain wrapped around his scarred body.
Easy there Grundle. The Society at least pays. It ain't their fault them Blackros' museum shook you up so bad.
He nods at the dangerous looking dwarf and gives a slight hmph at the large man and the old one.
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The sea-green robes edged with sky-blue coincide with Symbol of Gozreh. The tri-corn with a garish strand of bladderwrack suggests pirate not church-goers.
'Seaweed' opens a journal so new the leather spine cracks. The cleric thinks for a moment then begins scribbling. "Scepter of Arclords. Caravan to Niswan." how to code the threat & betrayal of Waman...? Sunflower snakes...? Zamir... Zimirin... Izmereldin....
Giving up the young scribe asks, "Can you tell us anything more about previous ambushes? How were they attacked how many died? Anything we can expect?"
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The pen in Arovandeon's hand hovers over a blank page in his journal as the Mihir gives his briefing. A thin, blonde elf dressed in light Osirian robes, he does not appear the adventurous type. Though he arrived with a crossbow slung over his shoulder, he immediately abandoned it with a pack near the door and readied his journal from a small case attached to a thick belt securing a half dozen smaller cases and multi-colored flasks.
When the nature of the mission becomes clear he applies a pinch of alchemical dust to dry and preserve the ink on the nib, and stores it and his journal in a small case. It wouldn't have been wise to document such words where a spy might see them, and Arovandeon didn't require the journal to remember the details. His memory had always been excellent, he could recall with perfect clarity conversations that took place likely before the Venture-Captain was even born. If there was any doubt he could always use the cognatogen.
"Venture-Captain Mihir, if we are to spend the next two days in the company of a spy, should we attempt to learn anything further about him or his motivations?
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"This better be jus' as straightforward as yer makin' it out ter be. I've had jus' 'bout enough of the Society's Venture-whatevers always leavin' out the tricky bit." Grundle eyes the Venture-Captain with a glare.
"It should be a rather straightforward task, though it impossible to account for any unseen factors. As always with our lot, be prepared for anything, and watch each other's backs."
Giving up the young scribe asks, "Can you tell us anything more about previous ambushes? How were they attacked how many died? Anything we can expect?"
"As I mentioned earlier, the previous attacks where bloody, but no one has died, or even suffered grievous wounds. They know where to hit, what they want, and how to flee without being tracked. Magic is suspected, but no one reports any mention of either spell weaving or utilizing of magic supplies. A few times my men have even been caught completely unaware, not realizing they had been robbed until the next watch. Expect, and I will get into more details in this regard in to days, but expect to be ambushed, likely at night in an out of the way location far from help."
"Venture-Captain Mihir, if we are to spend the next two days in the company of a spy, should we attempt to learn anything further about him or his motivations?""I simply wish for you to meat with "my man" Waman, to keep up the illusion that I am not on to him. Speak with him for further details and a map, then spend the next two days making preparations and as normal setting your affairs in order, so that should you,. . . be lost, the Society is not burdened by them. Before you depart for the Island, return to me and I'll fill you in a bit more. Don't worry about Waman, or dealing with him. I'm making arrangements for that, though I have not yet decided his fate. Most likely ", with a look towards Grundle, as if expecting a counter argument, "he will be sold into slavery."
"I also understand that Waman has received word from your various associates, and holds correspondences on your behalf."
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The cleric smiles at Hagrym's humor. "By the way, my friends call me Seaweed."
"I can take that friend Kanye, though By the Waves, I hope you won't need it. Does anyone else want to lend me your healing methods for later?" Seaweed glances at the giant's weapon of choice. "I think we can work well together. As my name suggests, covering the enemies in Gozreh's green gifts is a specialty of mine. With any luck they will be unable to escape your reach."
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"I believe I've been brought on board for my sparkling personality, and the occasional arcane flourish." Kort looks keenly at his peers, assessing who might be up for a tavern crawl.
"Two days is a wealth of time to settle my affairs (oh look, I'm done), and perhaps spend some time among the local merchants and shippers to gather rumors of artifact smuggling? If nothing else, having some names and points of contact may prove helpful when we confront Zamir."
As an aside to the venture-captain, "Venture-Captain, if your man Waman is to be sold as a slave, let me register an intent to bid. At that time, I'd imagine the asking price may be most reasonable, and I can find use for an inexpensive man."
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Arovandeon listens to the others introduce themselves and discuss their individual talents. He is always a little surprised by the kinds of men and women that join the Pathfinders, and he was certain others were sometimes surprised by his own membership. Until recently his experience with adventure was limited to tales of history, fictional stories, and the Chronicles published by the Society.
"I am Arovandeon Isero." He says, stepping forward when a break in the conversation allows. [ "A pleasure to meet you all. My expertise lies in the academic, alchemical, engineering, and arcane. I have little skill with conventional weapons, but I am not without the means to defend myself in a fight. I am also capable of healing with a wand, and I have my own to do so with." He taps a slender sheath lashed to his belt between a metal flask and a small dagger.
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Grundle gives a frustrated growl and opens his eyes. "Yer just sayin' a lot. But fine, I'm with yeh on gettin' out there and doin'."
With that he gets up, looks each person in the eye for a moment, stopping for a bit longer on Seaweed and looks down at his feet for some reason, and then walks out of the room towards this person they're supposed to meet.
A few minutes later the door opens again and Grundle's head pokes through, "Aw c'mon. Can't find the way outta this damnable place!" The door slams shut.
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Traveling to the Lodge's Safe House, you see the porter and clerk hard at work t his ledger. Once introductions are made, he assures informs you that you will travel with a caravan he has arranged. The caravan will smuggle you into the area, depositing you near a large forest. He hands you a map, pointing at your route and suggesting a few areas that Zamir and his thugs might be hiding in, as well as a few of the known locations of past ambushes. The caravan is also instructed to hold up in one of the nearby villages and wait for your return for a few days to bring you back once the deed is done, but will be at least a week after they leave you for trade and travel, possibly longer should their financial fortune be good.
He also hands you each letters, personally addressed, their seals unbroken., then suggests you make any preparations for a long journey, most of which you will be expecting to be in the wilderness, unless you have any questions for him.
Champion of Freedom,
This man Zamir is a smuggler and a bandit. It’s clear that he trades in slaves, and rumors persist that he has captured and enslaved arcanists in his employ. The deals of freedom must blossom in the tyranny of Jalmeray and you must find and free these prisoners! Return them to Padiskar when they are free.
Since you’ll be in the so-called Kingdom of the Impossible, my superiors want you to deliver a letter to the Thakur himself. Since this isn’t possible, you’ll need to do so through his agents. Take the enclosed scroll, and should you encounter any of the Thakur’s men, convince one to take the missive and deliver it directly to the Thakur. The Eagle Knight seal on the scroll will likely make this a difficult task as we are not popular there.
May the Fires of Freedom Burn Bright,
Captain Colson Maldris
Exquisite Flesh Morsel,
I sent a Chelish diplomat named Sananda Florez to talk to Zamir some months back and it seems to she’s been enslaved by that beast instead. Though the idea of Sananda in chains is… thought-provoking, I need you to find her and ask what message she has for her sweet mistress. This is our code, and upon hearing it, she will share with you what she knows. You decide if she deserves to be free.
She was likely captured placing a small device (a smooth black stone) beneath the ruined gate of Zamir’s hideout. While we can hear what’s going on around this device, it does not tell us its location—an oversight to be sure. Find this device and return it to me—there’s too much attention on Zamir now and it no longer serves a purpose. Ensure that none of your pathetic Pathfinder colleagues sees you retrieve it.
Paracountess Zarta Dralneen
Servant of the Ruby Prince Khemet III!
This scoundrel Zamir is known to us. Another of our agents was with a caravan that he raided a few short weeks ago. The bandit stole an important and ancient item from the man and may still have it. The item is known as the Pharaoh’s Crook of Order, and though it is not a particularly powerful item, it is a token of favor given by the Ruby Prince himself and an important symbol of our great nation. We care only that it is in the hands of those loyal to the Ruby Prince—you may keep it if you like or return it to me for a reward.
My most trusted agent in Jalmeray revealed to me in a letter that Zamir’s hideout is an ancient monastery filled with statues (though he failed to note the location). One statue in particular appears to venerate one of Osirion’s greatest hand-to-hand fighters, the beauty known as Banafrit. It is known that all statues of Banafrit were commissioned as oddities and trinkets. Stand close to her ear, whisper the words, “In greatness, for Pharaoh,” and her head should click and fall off. These statues were commissioned thousands of years ago—there may be problems. Bring me the head and you will have the gratitude of the Ruby Prince himself. Do not damage the head.
Eternally Grateful,
Amenopheus, The Sapphire Sage
Agent of the True Commerce,
Jalmeray is known as the Kingdom of the Impossible and when it comes to bribing their tax collectors this moniker is truer than the sun is yellow. Offers of gifts to smooth transactions generally lead to misunderstandings there and, as a result, our reputation in the Thakur’s court is somewhat sullied. We must work to remedy this, but by different means. We need to impress the agents of the Thakur at the grass roots level. Should you encounter any of the Thakur’s agents, please make a determined effort to make a positive impression on them, and make sure that they associate that impression with Qadira.
I have one other request: there is a rumor that this Zamir acquired a dervish tapestry that does not belong to him. We care not that he has it, but we want you to prove that you have the skills to get it back through negotiation or bribery. Prove to me that you have these skills by carrying this tapestry through my door here in Absalom.
Best Wishes for a Safe Journey,
Pasha Muhlia Al-Jakri
Agent of the Empire,
We in Taldor have refined the art of personal combat to a science that is unmatched in the world. Everyone knows this. I’ve heard much of late about the so-called “empty hand martial arts.” Ridiculous as it may be, some are crediting these foreign methods as superior to ours. Observe what you can of this outrageous fighting style while in Jalmeray and report the details to me. If this is the next Opparan dalliance, then I want to be at the front of the line.
I’ve also heard tales of monks using complicated mechanical statues with which to train their initiates. If you find one in Jalmeray, do me a favor and smash it to pieces and recover any mechanical trinkets that appear to power the thing. These trinkets could help us to build such devices in Taldor to train our noble Lion Blades.
Kind Regards,
Baron Jacquo Dalsine
Venture-Captain-in-training,
This scoundrel Zamir is known to us. Another of our agents was with a caravan that he raided a few short weeks ago. The bandit stole an important and ancient item from the man and may still have it. The item is known as the Pharaoh’s Crook of Order, and though it is not a particularly powerful item, it is a token of favor given by the Ruby Prince and is rumored to utilize unknown magics from the ancient land. The Society would like the opportunity to study it first hand, even if shortly should you decide to keep the item yourself. Otherwise, we would compensate you appropriately.
My most trusted agent in Jalmeray revealed to me in a letter that Zamir’s hideout is an ancient monastery filled with statues (though he failed to note the location). One statue in particular appears to venerate one of Osirion’s greatest hand-to-hand fighters, the beauty known as Banafrit. It is known that all statues of Banafrit were commissioned as oddities and trinkets. Stand close to her ear, whisper the words, “In greatness, for Pharaoh,” and her head should click and fall off. These statues were commissioned thousands of years ago—there may be problems. Bring me the head and you will have aided the Pathfinder Society to have discovered yet another of it’s many puzzles. But above all, do not damage the head.
Eternally watchful
Aram Zay
True friend and agent to the Society
We have intercepted a coded message sent from Cheliax to one of her agents. It was by blind luck, first to have received it in such a timely manor, and secondly that you are to be in the exact area in out time of need. We both transcribed the missive (below) as well as returned it upon it’s path to find it’s original recipient. Maintain the obfuscation, and attempt to complete the tasks “she” had in store for her agents there. If you are able, simply report back your findings, masquerading as if a fellow slave to Cheliax’s blasphemy.
XXX
“Exquisite Flesh Morsel,
I sent a Chelish diplomat named Sananda Florez to talk to Zamir some months back and it seems to she’s been enslaved by that beast instead. Though the idea of Sananda in chains is… thought-provoking, I need you to find her and ask what message she has for her sweet mistress. This is our code, and upon hearing it, she will share with you what she knows. You decide if she deserves to be free.
She was likely captured placing a small device (a smooth black stone) beneath the ruined gate of Zamir’s hideout. While we can hear what’s going on around this device, it does not tell us its location—an oversight to be sure. Find this device and return it to me—there’s too much attention on Zamir now and it no longer serves a purpose. Ensure that none of your pathetic Pathfinder colleagues sees you retrieve it.
Paracountess Zarta Dralneen”
Returning to the V.C. before departing, he simply reiterates the mission, to get ambushed by Zamir's men, and to allow them to capture the fake rod. Make it look real, taking a few hits and dealing a few blows, but allow them to escape with it and other minor magical items you will carry. Wait a few hours, and then use the magical Wayfinder that is attuned to the rod to track them to their base and either convince Zamir to work for the Pathfinder Society, or um, um, to stop him from working. He also marks on the map that Waman gave you the exact location that you will be ambushed, stating that Waman is unaware that he (or you) know, and to expect it at night.