Dot here and delete the post later.
The summons from Drandle Dreng is brief and a bit odd: "Meet Kreighton Shaine in the stables to discuss missing artifacts". Aside from some briefings during training, few Pathfinders deal with the Society's Master of Scrolls. In the muddy stables, Kreighton's scholarly robes drag through the muck, and his soft shoes are clearly soaked through, though he doesn't seem to notice.
I've been working on an extensive study of religious relics, trying to ascertain whether items gain a certain aura of divinity that cannot be detected through normal means. I've been collecting these artifacts through a series of well-known dealers in the God's Market. We've never had any trouble before, but recently several of our couriers have been waylaid by a particularly elusive bandit.
Kreighton pauses briefly as his mud-soaked robe snags on a nail and he nearly falls over, but a stable boy catches his arm and steadies him.
As they were headed through the Ascendant Court, he continues, a group of thugs ambushed our couriers. The first time I thought it was a coincidence — a random mugging. After the second time, however, Grandmaster Torch had some harsh words with me. He suspects someone has targeted our couriers specifically. The Drandle boy suggested I have you investigate the disappearances.
There is a long, uncomfortable pause and for a minute it seems the elf has completely forgotten he was discussing something. Finally, he glances up with a sort of stunned look on his face.
Oh yes, here, this list will help you. The Grandmaster has helpfully provided it as a starting point.
The elf hands a letter to the pathfinders.
Pathfinders,
I’m sure that daft elf has thoroughly confused you by now, so hopefully this note will help set things straight. Someone has been preying on your fellow Pathfinders and stealing important relics from the Society. We need you to discover who is behind these crimes. The Graycloaks have found scant information. They did recover the Shard of Iomedae's Lance, but the details about the recovery are scarce. My contacts have provided me the names of some of the witnesses to the muggings, which I have included below.
- Rialla Barleyhusk: Witnessed the first mugging; works at the shop across from Cayden's Hall.
- Friar Horace: Witnessed the second mugging; is the master brewer at Erastil's Alehouse.
- Jarid Moltwin: Was caught selling the Shard of Iomedae's Lance; owns a private stall in the God's Market.
The Pathfinders' reputation with the Graycloaks is tenuous at best, so try to work with the Graycloaks and don't leave a trail of bodies behind you.
Tread Carefully,
Torch
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While Cody spends a great deal of time in the wilds hunting he is always clean and orderly in what few belongings he owns. He rarely drinks anything stronger than tea, but he is chronically late for any meetings. A short human at only 5’4” he has well keep dark hair, his craftsman quality Lamellar leather armor and enchanted heavy darkwood shield are keep in top condition as well as he enchanted scimitar at his hip and darkwood composite longbow over his shoulder.
There is a small young panda clinging to his side that he calls Junior. It appears to be somewhat trained.
The human scratches his clean shaven chin, "So this mission will be in Absalon? What all was taken in the first and second muggings?"
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Starling reads the letter carefully, then reads it again, memorizing its contents before putting it down. "This seems straightforward enough. Definitely better than our previous assignments. Investigate witnesses, get information, protect Pathfinders. Had I not known the society, I'd have said that this is an easy mission!" she finishes with a chuckle.
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As the assembled Pathfinders prepare to hear their new mission, Dusklord sees several familiar Pathfinders, but does not know the new pair of faces.
Dusklord is a gaunt, pale-skinned human wearing black robes trimmed with silver runes. He has sunken, daunting eyes, and his presence can only be described as dreadful. But as he approaches E'li, he introduces himself and his face splits into a sickly smile.
"Do not fear! As you may know, I am Dusklord! Admittedly, I am better known now as Professor Dusklord...professor of necromatic academia. Though you have surely heard of my past evil ways, rest assured, I have repented completely. As the stories recount, I was once an 'evil villain,' if you will. I had dreams of controlling vast armies of undead and marching through civilized lands. But lo, my dreams were cut short by the paladin Ethendril h'Caramore...who thwarted me when I commenced a lengthy monologue about my evil plans and gave him time to recover. What a classic trope! Thwarted by the evil monologue...again! In exchange for my life, I promised to mend my wicked ways...and I have!"
He looks at Dreng before completing his introduction.
"As my position with the university and the Pathfinders shows, I am now completely reformed...yes I am! I no longer have any desires to raise vast armies of undead minions that will heed my every command...certainly not. I am completely content to teach wet-behind-the-ears apprentice wizards who understand nothing of the importance of necromancy...err...where was I? Oh, yes...muggings! This is so much more important than the forces of life and death!"
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Stephani rolls her eyes at Dusklord's elaborate introduction, but is forced to nod her head by the end. "Yes, yes... it does so appear that Dusklord here is sticking to the straight and narrow. I still keep my eye on him, but he has proved to be quite handy to have around. My name is Stephani du Boules, but you can simply call me Steph if you like."
"Now, I suggest we start with the first witness."
Yes, this mission is right here at the God's Market. Currently the Graycloaks are investigating the muggings, but seem to treat this as a relatively low priority. Apparently they feel these stolen treasures are "mere curiosities" of no consequence. - says the Elf - About the couriers... We have a survivor. Ferran is recovering with Grandmaster Torch. Torch said she is still recuperating from her injuries and you should question the others first. He has recorded much of the information he acquired from Ferran in the letter I gave you.
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'Meeting at the stables? Strange place for Sir Shaine. Though, my companion and I do frequent such places...' considers the gnome as he rides to the meeting place.
The heavily armored, short figure silently listens to the discussion atop his rotund beast. The boars tiny, bloodshot eyes glare angrily above a mouth full of sharp tusks. Though the pair is well armored, the beast is obviously the stronger of the two, carrying an array of items. A well-crafted lance sticks up from the saddle, holding a light green banner. A crude drawing depicting a blue rose wrapped around a boar figure stand against the background.
Finally breaking in, a pleasant voice sounds from within the helmet. "Working our way down the list of witnesses does seem the best course of action. Allow me to introduce myself."
Hopping down from the boar, the squat figure is barely a yard high. "I'm Hastard, and this is my trusty companion S.E. Nord. We're pleased to have been assigned to aid you in your endeavors."
Turning towards Dusklord, he adds "I'm pleased to hear of your reformation. I am a stout believer that all are capable of being saved. They just need a little help sometimes."
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Cody glances at Junior as he replies to E'li "He's a Panda. While being omnivorous he could eat a sheep, but he seems mostly interested in eating bamboo shoots. So, your father's flocks are probably safe, but any bamboo forest are fair game."
Looking the warpriest over Cody ask "Your holy symbol is not one I recognize , is it one of the Empyreal lords and does he/she like sheep? the Hunter ask with a smile.
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Dusklord listens to the description of E'li's deity. "This is a deity that one hears much about," the wizard says. "He does not have anything against good necromancers and their utilization of undead under proper circumstances, does he?"
Though he has been getting to know the new group members, he also has paid attention to their instructions.
"Muggings...we should question the witnesses first," he says. "Shall we start with this Rialla Barleyhusk?"
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"I've yet to find reason to align myself with any specific deity, but I've encountered a number of honorable worshipers.." remarks the gnome as he hops back astride his mount.
Turning back to the group, he inquires "How are we to recognize these artifacts? Are any of you skilled in determining such things?"
-Posted with Wayfinder
The Pathfinders leave the meeting and get to the God's Market to seek the witnesses. It doesn't take long for them to gather information on where to find the first one: Rialla Barleyhusk, who works in the shop across from Cayden's Hall.
This brick building is fronted by two large, many-paned glass windows and a large sign that reads, "Mercantile, Curiosities, Unique Items, and Magic—Bought and Sold Within." Inside the store, the shelves are lined with all manner of goods, crafts, and artwork both domestic and foreign. A halfling clerk sits on a large stool behind a human-sized countertop.
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Dismounting outside, Hastard pets his boar for a moment. "I won't be gone long. Just stay here a moment." he purrs.
Hobbling into the establishment, he spies the woman at the desk. "M'dear. I hear you had the misfortune of witnessing the mugging across the way. My friends and I are looking into the matter for a friend. Anything you could share or recall on the incident would be quite helpful."
Oh! Are you Pathfinders? I didn't see exactly the mugging, but tried to help the victim...
Rialla quickly jumps off her stool to show exactly where the victim collapsed. Barleyhusk’s excitement is palpable, and she rambles everything in one long, breathless speech.
That poor man you asked about who was attacked, he looked a right mess, he had an arrow in his side, and he could barely walk. I sat him down and started to bandage him up. Then all of a sudden the Graycloak was there and asked if I had a potion to fix him up. I said I could patch him right up because I took a class from Berntuck's Fine School of First Aid. That Graycloak gave me the nastiest look and said the Graycloaks would pay full price for the potion. Well, I knew the master had some peppermint-flavored healing potions that weren't selling very well, so I ran back to get the potions and before I could even get to them, I hear the injured fellow gasp really loud. 'Hurry!' the bossy Graycloak said, so I ran back as fast as I could, but when I got there, he was already dead.
The halfling quietly sobers up as she finishes her story, and walks back behind the counter and climbs onto her stool.
I was too slow...
Cody can't find anything special about the spot where Rialla took care of the victim - apparently it had been cleaned already. The shop had been working and is kept in a fairly good organization state.
Yes... - she answers Cody, a little morose. The Halfling gives a half smile to Hastard, then replies him as well - I didn't see anything. He was already shot when he came in stumbling through the door.
Rialla now seemed more quiet, as if regretting that her tale was all she had to offer.
She seems to be withholding a small bit of information.
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Looking at Rialla, Cody gives a friendly smile, "Thank you for rendering aid to a stranger in need. It's unfortunate that he didn't make it. Are you sure you don't recall anything else about the incident even if it doesn't seem related. We are hoping to find and stop the one who killed this pathfinder.". Knowing he may have come across a little harsh, he looks to his companions for help.
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Looking to his companion, he ponders 'Seems she already told us what she knew. Why pester her? I suppose it couldn't hurt to smooth his words a bit.'
"Yes, ma'am. We can't express our gratitude enough in such a short amount of time. You were truly heroic. If you happen to recall anything, anything at all. Do let us know, won't you?" he offers.
Giving a slight bow, he turns to hobble back out the door.
I... I don't know anything else, I'm sorry. It's just...
She stops for a moment, as if looking around, then she speaks between her teeth, whispering in barely hearable volume.
According to what I learned from Berntuck, an injury like that shouldn't have killed your friend so quickly. Berntuck said gut wounds are a long slow death. I'm... I'm not sure what happened. I meant to ask the Graycloak about it, but by the time I thought to ask her, she was already gone.
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Cody nods, "Thank you again Rialla for your help. Could you describe this Graycloak woman?"
After getting a description and exiting the shop, Cody comments to the others, "Sounds like the woman Graycloak if she is that, assisted the pathfinder courier on his way to meet with Pharasma. Should we proceed to the next wittness?"
Rialla replies Cody in a disheartened way.
I don't recall... Tall, dark? I didn't look much, sorry.
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As the group is walking through the streets and talking about their investigation, they're interrupted by the sounds of bolts crossing the air - almost at the exact moment Hastard mentions the possibility of the arrow being poisoned.
GM
Cody
Dusklord - 15 damage, 2 Fortitude Saves (vs. Poison)
E'li - 5 damage, 1 Fortitude Save (vs. Poison)
Stephani
Hastard
Starling - 6 damage, 1 Fortitude Save (vs. Poison)
Dusklord, E'li and Starling were the targets of the coward crossbow attacks, and coincidentally they were the three that noticed it the quickest - allowing them to act on the same surprise round. Five thug-looking men are across the narrow alleys and roofs, apparently waiting for the pathfinders to cross a specific point to attack the least armored members. One of the thugs holds the collar of a fairly menacing dog.
E'li feels the strength leak from his limbs, but his attack hits the thug who got the drop on the group. Dusklord manages to use his fortitude to shake of one of the doses of poison. The second however leaves him weaker. Starling also shakes off the effect of the poison with no ill effects.
The thugs reload their crossbows, and fire again into the group. The dog snarls, and is released by the thug to the south holding on to him. The dog moves up to Hastard and snaps. Missing him by a lot. He's never seen a gnome riding a boar before, and he couldn't decide who to bite at. The bolts fly past Starling, E'li, and Stephani. They bolts find their way into Cody, and Hastard.
Starling continues to sing. She pulls out a crossbow, and loads it.
Starling, miss
E'li, miss
Cody, hit
Stephani, Miss
Hastard, hit
Hastard
GM
Thug 2 -7 Damage
Cody - 8 Damage, 1 Fortitude Save (vs. Poison)
Dusklord - 1 Damage, 2 Strength Damage 1 Fortitude Save (vs. Poison]
E'li - 5 Damage, 1 Strength Damage, 1 Fortitude Save (vs. Poison)
Stephani
Hastard - 4 Damage, 1 Fortitude Save (vs. Poison)
Starling - 6 Damage
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Swiftly invoking the bull animal aspect, both Panda Jr and Cody move forward to the north most ambusher and attack as a team.
Shared team feats:
Pack Flanking: If you and comp are adj or share square and threat same target, you're considered flanking.
Outflank: Increase flank bounds by +2 if flanking ally has same feat. If you crit, ally gets and AoO.
Precise Strike: +d6 precision damage for melee attacks if you and ally with this feat flank the same target.
Bull aspect : When assuming this aspect, gain +2 enchantment bounds to Str.
Cody's attack:
to hit
Panda Jr Attack:
to hit
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Quickly hopping atop his trusted steed, the armored man pulls out a sock filled with rocks, one end tied shut.
"You poor puppy. You don't deserve this!" he exclaims as he whips his weapon high to bring it down on the creatures head.
Spurring his boar companion, he begs "Just try not to kill it outright."
The red eyes of the beast flash with glee as it tries to spear the animal with its tusks.
Stephani moves up to the crossbowman around the corner, and attacks. She takes down the bowman in one very strong blow. He crumples at her feet dead.
Cody and Panda Jr. move up and attack the bowman to the north. Their combined attacks drop him to the ground bleeding out.
Hastard hits the dog with his sap, and requests that the rest of the group not kill it if possible. The boar attacks but misses with his tusks.
E'li and Hastard both managed to find the fortitude to keep the poison from affecting them any further.