[PFS_CORE_Aerondor] 00-07 Among the Living (tier 1-2) (Inactive)

Game Master Aerondor

A week ago, you were seated in the main hall of the Grand Lodge of Absalom, waiting for the arrival of Absalom’s newest venture aptain, a tall, dark-haired and olive-skinned Varisian woman named Eliza Petulengro. Renowned for her composure under pressure and the author of more than two dozen Pathfinder Chronicles entries, she appeared in the hall suddenly, a stack of chronicles in her arms, and looked you over before speaking.

“My greatest pupil, Pathfinder Bodriggan Wuthers, has gone missing. He followed a cleric contact back to Wuthers’s home city of Oppara to work on a massive dig beneath the House of the Immortal Son, Oppara’s famed opera house and once temple to the dead god, Aroden. That was a year ago. He sent monthly reports, hoping to see their publication in a chronicle, before all contact dried up a few months back. I’m worried something has gone wrong, and the Society has a vested interest in the artifact he was researching and seeking. We want you to travel to Oppara and find Wuthers. We’d like to know exactly what he was seeking, too, since he neglected to inform us through his monthly correspondence. He hinted only that the cleric of Irori he was working with told him the object was the world’s greatest ‘living’ artifact—whatever that means."

“I have a few tidbits of information to pass to you before you go: the House of the Immortal Son is nearly impossible to access. It took Wuthers months and countless bribes to get where he did. For you, I have a much simpler idea. Go to an opera, wait for an opportunity, and then exploit it to find Wuthers and his dig site."

“Be sure to wear something festive—the Taldan nobility are arrogant on their best days and if you arrive at the opera dressed like that,” she waves her hands at you,
“they’ll surely lose your tickets or regret to inform you that the opera house is oversold."

“Go and report back to me directly upon your return to Absalom.”

An opera in Oppara? Huh. Kildrek doesn't seem too impressed. Can we wear armor and weapons? They ain't beat up or nothin'!

"I think you may have a hard time getting into the Opera wearing your armour. Though perhaps if it were well polished and accompanied with a silver tongue..." suggesss Eliza.

Oh potential new customers!says the Dwarf while trimming his beard.

Deluge is a portly balding man dressed in outdoor travelling clothes. At his side, firmly attached by a leash, is a nebby goat. He does not seem to have much fondness for the creature, giving an impatient yank on the leather strap when it starts to nibble on something, or someone, in the room. Out of respect for the paperwork on the desk, he keeps a fair distance for the seating.

Be interesting to see how these opera types stack with a good old songbird. Still, not sure what to wear. I'm a druid, not a bloody nobleman.

Join the Pathfinders, they say. Keep an eye on those dark archive folks, they decree. Leave your comfy cave and weather research and travel all over the world so you can dig around for artifacts. Why me? I LIKE being an underachiever.

"I only wish they accept animal." Say Irisus while playing with a rat.

-Posted with Wayfinder

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Durgan grunts at the mention of an opera. "What does Wuthers look like? We'll need to be able to identify him. No armor? No problem. I guess I'll need to leave my weapons behind. And get some fancy clothes..."

"My armor is new, and it shines as the sun rising on a new day. Perhaps I shall purchase a new robe, one made of silk in the great fashion of my homeland with fine silver jewelry to match... and perhaps a fine cloak with a clasp of an angelic ankh made of the finest silver!" Lyana beams a smile as she thinks of her goddess, the Dawnflower.

Purchase silver holy symbol (25gp) and courtier's outfit with jewelry (30gp + 50gp); for a total of 105gp.

"i would need your help, follow pathfinder. I am short of money, you see."

-Posted with Wayfinder

Kildrek will do whatever is needed in order to gain entrance with the proper garb, armor or not. If ya can help me pick out some clothes, Irisus, I have a few spare coins to repay the kindness.

So what are the mechanics here? Can we simply buy a robe to go over our armor or must we purchase something like noble or artisan's clothes to wear to this function?

Kildrek will do whatever is needed in order to gain entrance with the proper garb, armor or not. If ya can help me pick out some clothes, Irisus, I have a few spare coins to repay the kindness. So what are the mechanics here? Can we simply buy a robe to go over our armor or must we purchase something like noble or artisan's clothes to wear to this function?

"Thank you."

-Posted with Wayfinder

Deluge purchases a Courtier's outfit. He looks absolutely ridiculous in it since he followed the merchants advice and the merchant took the opportunity to get rid of a bunch of clothing that was seriously out of style and not well matched. Deluge is satisfied, though, as he looks like some of the more beautiful and exotic wild birds he is fond of. Dang things were expensive too.

Kildrek was far wiser than Deluge in getting help.

Durgan also purchases some fine Taldan fashions as inexpensively as he can. Against his own better judgment he also purchases the accompanying jewelry.

Courtier's outfit + appropriate jewelry. He'll try to conceal his shuriken about his person.

It is really up to you about how you want to try and gain entry. Armour would be...unusual. But then again so are pathfinders. Turning up in uncured animal skins decorated with human skulls might be pushing it though.

@Durgan, Can I get you to put your details in the Discussion thread? Thanks

The House of the Immortal Son is an old temple to Aroden. It is a circular structure with one main entrance and a multitude of side doors that the less important are issued entry through.

The main door is to the bottom of the map. If you could all put your icons onto the map, or let me know that you can't so I can do it for you. that would be much appreciated.

I placed on for Kildrek, its not the same as the one on my profile though. Can you use outside icons on Paizo? Anyway,

Maybe we can go as guards or security for somethin'? That way, if there be trouble, we'll be ready! I can still wear somethin' nice though. If that doesn't seem to be an angle that works then Kildrek will simply not wear armor but he will have his other items, just in case.

@Kildrik is there a reason you didn't want to use your boards icon on the map? It helps save confusion later on.

@Kildrik is there a reason you didn't want to use your boards icon on the map? It helps save confusion later on.

Just thought I'd use it since I had it, its from a 4E podcast I did. You can use the one here, its perfectly fine.

Deluge is at the important door since he looks important with his fancy duds. He's never been important before and is feeling a bit full of himself. since no one has taken him down a notch yet - you all had your chance!

That is four icons on the map. Good start. How are you going to try and secure tickets, or otherwise get in?

"An opera... well i don't think you'll be allowed in there Smiler. At least i can get some nice clothes and dress up a little bit. I wish i could wear armour like yours Lyana."

Any suggestions on how to deal with Smiler here?"

Sorry, I thought that the Venture-Captain was going to supply us with tickets. For Smiler, perhaps a tuxedo? :)

Diplomacy to gather information about Wuthers: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (18) - 1 = 17

"So, anybody know where we can buy tickets once we get there?"

Diplomacy to gather information about tickets: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (11) - 1 = 10

Is there a line at the front door or a ticket booth? If so Deluge will purchase a ticket and enter the easy way. Perhaps I'm assuming too much and am biased towards modern theatre dynamics

There are queues at all the doors. The best dressed are at the main doors, but there are smaller queues at the others too.

"It is opening night! You surely don't expect to buy tickets at the gate!" says the doorman, looking surprised, shocked and insulted.

If you can confirm how you are dressed, and whether you have any animals with you (and if so how they appear) that would be helpful. Various social skills may also prove of assistance.

So if we can't buy tickets for tonight's show, can we just buy tickets for tomorrow's show? We just need to get in to the opera house, we weren't given a timeframe.

Durgan (having left all of his weapons at home) is dressed in a Taldan courtier's outfit with attendant jewelry.

"I'm just a poor dwarf who wants to be elevated by the highest artform of polite Taldan society."

Diplomacy/Bluff, whichever you like: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (20) - 1 = 19
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

Kildrek, not one to take risks, will not wear his breastplate since it is too bulky to wear to such an occasion. He'll wear the clothes that his new friend suggested. Maybe we ougtha try gettin' in at one of them other doors?

Unless somebody has a better idea, Kildrek with be without armor and shield and his effective AC will be 8.

I want to pick up a wand of mage armor, but I haven't had the prestige to do it yet.

There are queues at all the doors. The best dressed are at the main doors, but there are smaller queues at the others too.

"It is opening night! You surely don't expect to buy tickets at the gate!" says the doorman, looking surprised, shocked and insulted.

** spoiler omitted **

If you can confirm how you are dressed, and whether you have any animals with you (and if so how they appear) that would be helpful. Various social skills may also prove of assistance.

Deluge's goat is a pack animal, not a companion so it is stabled right now. Deluge is wearing gaudy courtier's clothing.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

Hmmm. Really. We are new in town and were told that we absolutely HAD to go to the Opera. How much are the tickets my good man and where does one purchase them?

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

He waves his hands dramatically and self-importantly, feeling superior in his fancy duds.

OK lets go nuts with this.

"Well if these noble types like a show lets give them one eh Smiler!"

Volar gets himself a nice fitting nobles outfit. He makes a point of finding something that has been made to imitate a great noble explorer, of course such an outfit would be no use at all once away from the creature comforts of a large city.

He also buys a rather large top hat, a shirt collar, and a lovely big bow tie for Smiler. Volar gets Smiler cleaned up (which he doesn't enjoy) then teaches Smiler to do his signature smile while lifting his hat off his head in a very human like greeting. Smiler has the Perform trick so i'm hoping with the travel time to Oppara it wouldn't be too hard to do.

"I wonder what these nobles will make of a great explorer who has returned to the big city after taming a wild animal to do party tricks!"

This will either be an amazing plan or a horrible train wreck. Either way it'll certainly be entertaining!

The man names an absorbent price for tickets. However given the VC provided funds for your travel, you think there is probably enough left over to get you all tickets. Just.

Deluge is politely pointed to another doorway where he may be permitted entrance.

The man at the common entrance looks goggle eyed at Smiler as he approaches. However the bow tie and top hat work a treat. The man smiles...maybe a little apprehensively, and then gestures you into the hall.

A quick layout of the hall
1a: Main floor
3: Violet Entrance. For the king and anyone he considers to be part of the royal court. The team does note one man and his followers come in through here.
4: Bar, very popular. Known by regulars as "the immortal drunk" Also an entrance for wealthy non-nobles.
5: Blue entrance. Used by nobility who are not part of the royal court
6: banquet hall, being set up for the after match function. Also an entrance for wealthy non-nobles.
7: commoners entrance.

"You see, Rat. Everything have gone all right. This bath and this little ribbon have done miracle!"

The familar who was trying to take out the foreign object on him doesn't seem to have the same idea as his master.

"Stay on your pouch. " Irisus whispers to the rat."As stealtly as you are and fabulous your nose is, the consequence of someone seeing you sprawling around is a risk we can't take."

The rat stops his agitation and looks at Irisus with puppy eyes.

"Ahh don't do that!"the mage responds, embarassed. "You know the préjudice they have on Rat-kin! I want to protect your life. Just sniff where you are and tell me if you notice something."

-Posted with Wayfinder

Since we are looking for a dig site, Deluge will keep an eye out for signs of dirt, if not on the floor then on a door. Cast guidance first.

tracking: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 9 + 1 = 25

The hall is immaculate and very nicely done up. Not a spot of dirt is to be found, and any that is brought in on guests boots is very quickly (and discretely) removed so as to not cause offence.

Are you going to enlarge the map to account for the 10' squares, or do you want us to shrink our tokens?

The doors all have attendants at them and are firmly closed. Trying to get through them at the moment would require magical assistance.

The lights are dimmed and everyone is ushered to their seats. The play begins. And goes on. and On. And On.

It’s an epic tale of a lone Ulfen warrior named Victory who sails to the ends of Golarion, crashes off the edge of the world, and finds himself in a gothic paradise where he falls in love with the undead queen of a jungle kingdom.

It’s melodramatic, over-acted, gaudy, and tasteless—just the sort of affair Taldor’s wealthy screams to attend.

As yet another twirling dancer in a brown costume festooned with bright pink, flowing silk scarves spins across the jungle set at the front of the stage, the orchestra reaches a screeching crescendo that crashes the entire opera to a halt. The dancers stand quietly for a moment, breathing heavily and listening to the scattered applause across the obviously bored Taldan audience. Suddenly, a sound like a thousand gongs shakes the entire building to its very foundation and the audience murmurs in a mixture of delight and fear. The actors and orchestra, however, flee the stage, disappearing behind the curtains.
I think we'll just go with 5' squares for the purpose of combats, othewise tokens are too small.

"And it was all going so well. I was quite enjoying that until that cacophonous din started up!"

"Ooook!" shouts Smiler. He reaches up to cover his ears with his hands, almost knocking his hat off in the process.

The pathfinder's paradox. Are we attracting problems or we are drawn uncounsciously by it?

Irisus draws his wand of mage armor and uses a charge on him if he have the time. (Second position, the rat, third, the monk.)

"There something weird in the neighborhood"sings the mwangi. "Who gonna be there?"

-Posted with Wayfinder

"I suppose a quiet evening is too much to ask."

Durgan gets up from his seat and looks around for trouble.

Does that mean its over or is that the dinner bell? Kildrek wait to see if the patrons start to leave.

That is Deluge's cue to get up and explore. He heads towards the door in the northwest corner.

All the various doors burst open and a horde of shuffling figures enter the room.

Most aim for the nobility closest to them, but a small group seem to have the pathfinder team in mind.

"Help me!" screams a woman in pearls.

"I'll protect you my...<gurgle>" cried a man as he head was split open and a hungry mouth descends on his exposed brain.

Status, bold may post:
Lyana
Volar
Irisus
Deluge
Kildrek
Durgan
baddies

What the... where'd they come from? Kildrek tries to bathe these creatures in positive energy!

Channel, DC 12: 1d6 ⇒ 3

Well I sure picked the wrong spells for this day. Forgot to even look at them.

Deluge charges yellow and tries to thwack it. He takes a -2 AC penalty but gets +2 to hit.

Staff +2/1d6+3;20x2;B

To Hit: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12
Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Undead! And the abominations are everywhere.

Dulgue hits, but the thing, which is very dead, has a tough and resilient body that seems to absorb much of the blow.

DR effective vs blunt

Kildrek channels the divine..
will saves: 4d20 ⇒ (14, 1, 2, 2) = 19

Status, bold may post:
Lyana
Volar
Irisus
Durgan
baddies
yellow 3 damage (1 channel, 2 from staff)
pink 3 damage
red 3 damage
blue 3 damage
Deluge
Kildrek

I don't know if Irisus have been able to used the wand.

religion: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

Irisus can have already used on charge on himself.

These are zombies slow, unable to move and attack, and resilient to all but slashing weapons.

One looks different from the others...almost as if it carries some type of disease.

Status, bold may post:
Lyana
Volar
Irisus mage armour
Durgan
baddies
yellow 3 damage (1 channel, 2 from staff)
pink 3 damage
red 3 damage
blue 3 damage
Deluge
Kildrek

"Get those dead things Smiler" says Volar as he starts to regret keeping his armour in his pack.

He grabs his backpack from under his seat and digs out a dagger to defend himself before slinging the pack over his shoulder.

Smiler attacks one the creatures surrounding his human. Attacking blue.

bite attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12 bite damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

claw attack 1: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16 claw damage 1: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

claw attack 2: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18 claw damage 2: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Smiler rips the blue zombie into little pieces. His bow-tie comes loose though.

Status, bold may post:
Lyana
Irisus mage armour
Durgan
yellow 3 damage (1 channel, 2 from staff)
pink 3 damage
red 3 damage
Deluge
Kildrek
Volar
(smiler)