PFS 5–13: Destiny of the Sands—Part 2: Race to Seeker's Folly (Inactive)

Game Master Arthur Severance

Previous post deleted, as it did not make sense after the GM posted that we are in front of the gates

Kintampo bows to Mahu. "Greetings, Mahu, may I introduce Mareck Bolthune, he is our spokesperson"

Aid Mareck Diplomacy: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

The Andoren woman is slightly taken aback by assumptions, but she let's the idea go.

"Well met, Mahu. You seek stories? It just so happens I am a story teller! I am Oronia of Andoran and I am a scholar and collector of stories. I am traveling with Mareck and the company in order to collect more stories and see if we might find lost knowledge that I might use to grow my field of expertise."

Diplomacy or Aid?: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (10) + 11 = 21

Not sure which of those two things that should be, if it's aid, I can simply auto success it.

"Hello, inspector. I am Motaz from Sothis. Although I have travelled to far Magnimar and Oppara, this is my first visit to your city. I am very much looking forward to it, as are we all."

Aid Marek in Diplomacy: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11

I am their guard on this matter - I have used this to opportunity to return home. I have nothing to declare

Diplomacy aid another 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (4) - 1 = 3

Oriona,I did not see your modifier (or character sheet), so I guessed that Mareck had the highest diplomacy skill.

After a search of your inventory you can enter the city without any further problem.

You have no problems in locating the White Uraeus, the place where your contact should meet you.

Although its exterior is unassuming, the interior of the White Uraeus is richly decorated with panels of gold-veined marble and bubbling fountains in secluded courtyards. Cool breezes carry the scent of blooming desert flowers throughout the clean halls. Two half-orcs keep watch outside one set of closed doors. After a moment inspecting the visitors, they pull open the doors to reveal a tiled bathing chamber beyond.
“Welcome to Eto, Pathfinders,” rasps Grandmaster Torch as he lounges in a steaming tub. “I didn’t imagine we would meet again under such heart-warming circumstances, yet the White Uraeus certainly knows how to make a traveler comfortable. What can a humble secret monger such as I do for you?” he asks as he leans forward in the tub and flashes a knowing smile.

It's all good Kintampo, I'm being intentionally vague about Oriona for a lot of reasons, but largely because I want to try something a little different with RPing characters.

"Well met, Grandmaster Torch, as I am sure you are aware, Amenopheus has sent us to gather a bit of information that he believes you have. Information concerning the Diamond Sage and sage jewels?" The young Andoren says this, occasionally glancing down at her journal to make sure that she is getting everything properly.

Grandmaster Torch nods amenably as he listens to their request. “Amenopheus may have overlooked the fact that he owed me several favors before I ever asked for his help, but I don’t mind extending a discount to repeat customers,” he remarks with a rasping chuckle as he snaps his fingers to summon one of his bodyguards, who arrives carrying a folded piece of paper. “Let’s see what’s on today’s schedule,” he murmurs as he examines the paper’s contents. “Yes, all of this will do. Consider this my price—all of these tasks completed to my satisfaction in return for what I know of the sages’ jewels. Do we have a deal?” He holds out the paper for you to review it.

It reads:
- The academic Ionacu Lozar from the Sinomakti School of Sciences is preparing for an expedition to a site in the Pillars of the Sun. I have a scarab-marked prayer book dedicated to the god Khepri that needs to be placed among his personal effects without him suspecting anything is amiss.
- An associate has delivered a shipment of valuable Osirian artifacts to just outside Eto. She claims that the objects are hidden inside a dry well southeast of the Sunrise Gate. Retrieve these and bring them to me. The magic rod is of particular importance; everything else is expendable.
- The half-elf Madam Zelekhati, owner the establishment called the Dancing Dunes, is most adept at acquiring secrets, and I need you to find out how she does it— no doubt it’s something she’d rather keep hidden from authorities. Further, convince her to share what she already knows with me. Threaten to reveal her secret if she’s stubborn. End the scheme if all else fails.
- I recently heard that the leader of the Hundredfingers gang had an important message for my ears only. Track them down, get the message, resolve any loose ends, and report back to me

Knowing that one needs to set principles aside when the situation asks for it Kintampo nods as he reads the list. Also knowing that others in their party are more diplomatic than he is he remains quiet.

"You say that these are today's tasks, but they seem like they might take more than a day with travel and such. Do we have a restriction on time?" Oriona asks as she looks at the list, tossing a glance to Kintampo.

"As long as everything is to my satisfaction, you are good," he answers elusive.

It is a strange way to bargain but I have no issues for my part

Things have been a bit rushed for me. Can I spend my 2pp from my first adventure on a wand of CLW?

"What happens if we are not able to meet all your tasks? Kintampo asks.

He shrugs, "then you go back empty handed to Amenopheus."

ooc: sure you can use your 2PP for a wand of CLW

"All right, we will meet again after we have done as you asked"

Unless others have anything to say to that treacherous snake Torch, Kintampo leaves the inn. Outside he says:

"I suggest we head first to this dry well outside the Sunrise Gate, unattended objects might be found by someone else."

"Oh, we get to head outside of the city and explore? That sounds like the most exciting option! Perhaps that will give me a chance to peruse this prayer book!"

"I wonder, oh crafty and subtle one," says Mareq with a slight bow. "Will any of these result in death for us, should we be captured or observed? Are any of these items dangerous in and of themselves? And, finally, and frankly less importantly, will any of these result in the deaths of our... marks?"

As he sys this final thing, he shrugs slightly, curious mostly, but not overly concerned.

His demeanor towards Torch suggests businesslike disinterest, portrayed to most impress the business-like information broker. Mareq plays the game, but is not so arrogant as to suggest to Grandmaster Torch that he is anywhere near as good at it as he is.

And may I say, oh worthy sir, you have beautiful taste in establishments.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12

As they walk, Oriona looks at her companions trying to size them up. "If I were to wish to help protect anyone in combat, who should I focus on? I do have some amount of protective spells and abilities that I have picked up through my studies." It does seem that Oriona is slowed slightly by the sheer number of bags she is carrying, but they seem precariously balanced off one another to keep her upright.

"Fellow Pathfinders, when it comes time to slip the prayer book into the academic's possessions, I believe I can be of help."

Motaz walks alongside Oronia and quietly answers her question out of the hearing of the others. "Scholar Oronia, both Kintampo and Maherpa appear to be warriors of the type who wade into battle with their foes, and therefore may benefit most from your support. While the magics with which my parents seem to have gifted me are most effective from afar, I may be the best able to withstand blows in melee. So I plan to close with them in order to assist them and draw attacks."

"That is interesting Oriona, I myself am a spellcaster of meagre means.

I am trying to learn more about combining the use of magic and staves in combat. I have memorised the shield spell, do you know that one? And are you a magic user who uses a spell book? In that case we could compare notes, after our assignment of course."

Smiling, she nods to Motaz, then looks to Kintampo, "Alas, I do not use a book, though I would love to peruse yours if you do not mind. I have curative spells and a spell helps to deflect blows, nothing so strong as a shield though. Much of my ability, if combat were an issue, comes from my ability to aid my companions in doing better...I am not really fit to fight myself. I'm a scholar...not a fighter."

Though, when it becomes clear that Kintampo is likely better suited with his own protections, she gently places a hand on Maherpa.

Kintampo eyes linger over Oronia's body before returning to her eyes "Off course you can peruse my book if you want, although I hope that you do not mind if I will stay at your side when you study it."

"My dear, I have some minor magics. But at my most helpful I'm engaging with others and creating friends rather than killing foes. I've found that the right friends will sometimes do the fighting when necessary, or make fighting unnecessary, even."

Mareq's lips quirk up then. Oronia perhaps senses something unpleasant in Mareq's face suddenly. His eyes flatten, deadening slightly. Through a mouth slowly opening in a malicious grin, he says, "My bodyguard, the wretched efreeti our companions had the unfortunate experience of seeing earlier, doesn't require any addl protection."

His grin is evil now as he says this.

"Oh no, no protection needed there. He will stand in the front line, or lie down before our foes, as I command. Worry not, fair one."

His courtly courtesies, with this tone, makes the flesh crawl.

My abilities are those of blood and death but I move well albeit hampered by armour.

Just having entered Eto, you find yourself on your way out again - finding the dried out well with no difficulty.

Wild grasses hug the low walls surrounding the wide mouth of the well. The opening is 15 feet wide at the top but narrows to a width of about 5 feet at the bottom 30 feet below.

"Oh Kintampo, I know how many magic users are about their spellbooks, I would not dream of taking it out of your sight!"

Upon arriving at the well, she looks down it and sighs. Slipping her backpack off, she digs through all of the stuff in said pack, pulling out a long rope, a small hammer, and a couple of pitons. She then takes a moment to hammer the pitons into the ground (if it's secure enough) or into the well itself. Provided she is strong enough.

Once done, she ties the rope to the two pitons and tosses it down the dry well. Pulling out one of her daggers, she casts a quick spell

"Who's first?"

Spellcraft take 10: 10 + 6 = 16
Perception take 10: 10 + 1 = 11

Kintampo peers down to the bottom of the pit and when he sees nothing strange he drops his quarterstaff down, after that he quickly climbs down the rope. He looks around checking if he sees a package.

Climb take 10: 10 + 2 = 12
Perception take 10: 10 + 1 = 11

Updated Map

How is it down there? Will you need me or should I guard your way back?, calls the swarthy desert man who scans the area around the well for threats.

Motaz peers into the well, prepared to climb in after Kintampo if necessary.

Perception: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (1) + 16 = 17 (+1 vs. traps)

and of course Kintampo has picked up his staff again ;-)

A varisian human hurries up to the group palms out stretched in a non-menacing gesture.

He speaks to the closest of the group(About Motaz ibn Dakhil al-Lythertidi )

"Hail fellow travelers."

Lecate lowers his voice even though there is no one else in ear shot of the group.

"I am glad I caught up with you. I am a fellow pathfinder also assigned to this mission. I arrived to the lodge hours after you departed. I spoke with Venture captain Balentir, he gave me a brief description of each of you and he thought it best I follow and catch up to the group.
My name is Lecate Ctadair, servant of Desna."

What stands before you is a youngish Varsian male, early 20’s with a hard but not unattractive face. He wears traveling robes of the clergy, a holy symbol of Desna hanging around his neck.

"I apologize for my late arrival as luck would have it I was detained by the custom agent Mahu, I’m sure you saw him on the way in. I “had” a few questionable items that he requested to inspect in greater depth."

"I must have just missed you at House of the White Ureaus as well, I did receive a copy of "today's Schedule from an agent of the Torch, but alas I am here now ready to lend my full assistance to the mission. I saw you fellow pathfinders heading toward this well, I would have been hear sooner, but I wanted to double back to make sure we were not being followed."

Lecate quickly introduces himself to each of the other party members, except Kintampo, who he will wait until he returns to the surface.

After the introductions Lecate will also peer into the well for possible dangers to Kintampo.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15

I apologize for my late start. I have read all the previous posts so I am upto date on the info previously presented, checked in with the GM and he is okay with the late start. Game on!

No problem Lecate, your post was a great intro in why you where too late! Whether Kintampo believes you is something else...

With the rope Kintampo has no problems descending into the well. About 2 feet of sediment-laden water occupies the bottom of the well, obscuring a submerged horizontal shaft large enough for a Medium creature to crawl through.

new map - no worries Lecate ;)

When Kintampo relays that there is a passage down there, he casts mage armor on himself and climbs down the rope.

At the bottom, he speaks to Kintampo. "I am particularly skilled at finding traps, and with the spell I just cast, I am a hard target to hit, even when crawling. I can also see in the dark. However, I am not much of a fighter. May I suggest that I go first, with you following close behind for backup if there is trouble?" Motaz pulls out an ioun torch and offers it to Kintampo. "You can use this for light, if you need something, or pass it to someone coming behind you."

Assuming that Kintampo agrees, Motaz will take his time examining the entrance of the shaft for traps then enter, carefully searching for traps and secret doors as he goes. He will also look for signs that anyone has passed this way. He will go slowly, waiting for the rest of the group to climb down and catch up as he goes.

Perception (taking 10) 10+17=27 to look for traps (1 less to notice anything else)

Survival (taking 10) 10+6=16 (to track)

Motaz mutters a short prayer to Lythertidi as he crawls. "How did a street thief end up being the tough in a group of adventurers?" he asks himself, wondering if this is how his father, a Pathfinder before him, found his end.

Maherpa continues to guard the well until there is clarification on him coming down or not.

Motaz whispers back to Kintampo. "Effendi, please ask the others to follow. I would hate for us to run into trouble, only to find aid stuck at the top of the well, far from us. It may be our fate to die stuck underground, as my father did, but I would rather ensure it is not. I have a scroll that will help us get out of the well if someone removes the rope while we are down here."

"One moment, Maherpa, and I will summon assistance," says Mareq. He stares down the well, briefly, and then steps back from the edge.

He pulls from his robes the oil lamp he used earlier and begins whispering to it in unsettling tones. If one were to listen, the whispered words are nearly unintelligible Ignan, words of power and hate, destruction and despite, and... twisted glee. At the end of his whispered conversation with the lamp, he pulls out a small brass mallet and, grinning, begins hammering at the lamp, bruising it, denting it, smashing it into scrap.

With a final strike, the ifrit Mareq cries, "Appear, Killer of Hope, Destroyer of Childhoods, Desecrator of Happiness! Arise, Husarq al-Shamiri, and pay your penance again!"

Black smoke billows from the destroyed lamp and begins to solidify into an injured efreeti, his face bruised and his body crushed and dented. As the smokey body congeals before Maherpa and Mareq, it fleshes out and the bruises disappear and the dents fill in.

"FASTER NEXT TIME, DUNG-FACED PILE OF ENTRAILS!" screams Mareq in an insane and screeching voice.

"I appear, Mareq ibn Bolthuni, as you command," says the red skinned, fully-formed efreeti. His eyes are dark and circled, full of pain and despair. Strapped tightly to his back is a massive greatsword, its blade sharp and imposing.

"SAY IT! Or must I punish you again, dog?" cries Mareq at Husarq. "SAY IT AS I ORDERED YOU!"

"As you command," says the efreeti with his shoulders slumped and defeated.

"I appear oh greatest one, enslaver of genies, confidant of elemental lords, Mareq al-Shamiri, scion of a pitiful and destroyed house, risen to new heights through his own power and percipience. Visionary, lover of life and giver of power... my Son and Master."

"What is your bidding, oh my eternal master?"

"Better. Do not make me tell you again," says Mareq, grinning with sickening glee. "Into the pit with you and explore what dangers there are."

Mareq, as an afterthought, pulls forth a wand and touches Husarq with it. Magic flares.

"A mystic defensorium, to ensure your pain and suffering is prolonged long and well."

Mage Armor

Kintampo shakes the rope to get the attention of everyone above ground. He then signals that they are to come down. If necessary he will climb up again to say that they all should come down to explore the tunnel.

Mareq wands himself as well.

Husarq begins climbing down into the well.