[PFS] Deussu's #37 The Beggar's Pearl (Inactive)

Game Master Deussu

The true scenario will begin once everyone has introduced their characters to others. This is your chance to *the* impression you want others to have of your character.

You have all been ordered to appear before Venture-Captain Brackett in the lodge of Almas, Andoran. The weather is cloudy, a soft yet brisk autumn breeze is a fresh and welcome change to the blistering heat of the deserts and the freezing ice of the north.

The room houses a long table with a dozen chairs. When not used as a briefing room, this hall obviously works as an eatery. Cutlery have been stowed away, leaving the rough surface barren.

Venture-Captain Brackett has not yet arrived.

We're not listed in the Players and Characters section of this thread, but I suppose it's a minor thing. :)

As Khalos enters the lodge of Almas with Zatoma (his eidolon) slithering close by, he realized that it was a few minutes too early. Taking the opportunity, he purposefully walks towards the middle seat at one side of the long table.

To Zato: Go ahead and pick any spot you like, but be on a lookout for any trouble. You never know... I don't want to be surprised with exploding goblin skeletons like last time.

Taking out his copy of Arcana Today as he sat, Khalos began to read while waiting for the others to arrive.

To Khalos: Hah! As if I wasn't there to soak up the flying bones for you that time, no thanks to your Mage Armor.

Moving towards one of the shadier corners of the lodge, Zato scans the room before curling up to relax, keeping an eye towards the entrance and another on his master.

Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16

Hmmm... there must have been quite a feast here during the past few days. I can still smell the aroma of roast lingering.

We get listed as we post... so freakin' excited.. *ahem*

Lort the Mighty enters the lodge room. The heavily muscled half-orc ducks as he passes through the briefing room's doorframe... as much to get his enormous sword through as his head. A toothy grin splits his bearded face upon spying Khalos and Zatoma at the table.

"So," Lort booms, deliberately loud, "which of you two should I address?" Without really waiting for an answer, Lort approaches the pair and extends a hand to the half-elf, "Lort the Mighty. Pleasure to meet you. Have you already consumed everything, or am I early?"

Lort looks around for some meat or alcohol... and Wilmannator tests the dice roller:

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

That Captain Brackett must be tighter than I'd heard... not even an ale?

As Edgar McGowan enter the Lodge of Almas he is taken aback by the company that is already in attendance, but his reaction is only fleeting as he walks in an introduces himself to the group.

"Hello my friends, I am Edgar McGowan. Sorry for my tardiness, but I was deep in prayer."

While he introduces himself he continues to look around for anything to eat or drink.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

Not seeing anything he asks the group, "Has anyone seen the good Captain?"

"Good day, Edgar. Lort the Mighty. There's been no sign of the Captain. As for the drinks situation..." Lort smiles at Edgar and then looks down at the backpack next to his chair. Reaching a meaty paw into the pack, Lort produces a full wineskin. He removes the cork and takes a long pull before passing it to Edgar.

"Drink your fill and pass it along," Lort eyes Zatoma, "Just don't let the serpent drink it all."

"What-ho lads! Fabulous to meet all of you. So excited for this adventure...and what a fine, sturdy group we've got here!" Thadd looks around the room before taking a seat. "Well I'm sure our good Venture Captain will be along shortly. May as well make ourselves comfortable!"

Edgar takes the wineskin from Lort takes a hefty swig and says, No worries there probably won't be enough left for the serpent after we're through with it." Then he takes another swig before passing the wineskin to Khalos.

Edgar greets Thaddaeus, "Greetings, my name is Edgar. What are you hailed by?"

While waiting for a response Edgar continues to look around for a server.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

Ozren enters the chamber as quiet as a mouse. His simple brown robe somehow appears disheveled. His reddish brown hair and clothing is damp, as if he has just entered the building after walking through a strong rain. He runs a hand through his wet mop of hair, flicking a few drops of water to the floor. He speaks rather softly I am Ozren and I was told to report here.

Totally immersed in his reading, Khalos did not realize a company of other Pathfinders entering the lodge until,

You know, if it weren't for me, you'd probably be dead already if we were in enemy territory. said a familiar hissing voice in his head. Taking a moment to observe the others, Zato added, I remember seeing some of these fellows from The Grand Lodge, but I did not know their names until now. The massive half-orc is Lort, the dwarf Edgar, and the wet human is Ozren. The other human has yet to present himself but he looks like he can take my place to get hit.

Startled, Khalos looked up to find the lodge seemingly full with a group of warriors and an oracle. As he stood up, his sickle dangling from his side, Khalos said,
Greetings fellow Pathfinders, I'm afraid do not get distracted so easily from studies. I am known by the name of Khalos, a summoner; gesturing to the serpentine creature, and this is my eidolon, Zato. He remembers seeing you at the Grand Lodge before but I believe this is our first encounter.

Taking the short sip from the wineskin from Edgar, he grimaces before handing it back,
It has been a while since my last drink of wine, but just where did they get that?

Lort moves over and claps Khalos on the back, "Ha! That has to be the first time I've ever entered a room unnoticed!"

Lort looks over the room, his brow furrowed and lips moving slightly as though doing some kind of strenuous mental arithmetic, "Five of us, not counting pets. Should be one more. Three gold says the venture captain doesn't show until after he does."

Lort returns to his pack, removes the blanket attached to it and passes it to Ozren, "Didn't know it had started raining. You look a little chilly. Oh, and Lort the Mighty, at your service."

A Varisian man staggers his way into the room, a tankard in his hand, rapier on his belt. He looks around the room takes a bit more than a sip, and says, "Good day, fellow Pathfinders! I am Gunari Maximoff, favored of the Lucky Hero, at your service!".
He takes a rather unsteady bow, careful not to spill any of his drink.

While Gunari looks rather disheveled, his equipment does look quite serviceable, he is wearing a suit of banded mail, which while it looks to have had several repairs over the years, seems quite solid. His rapier looks to be of the finest quality, as does the shield slung casually over his back. He makes his way to the hair next to Lort. Raising his tankard is salute, "To Cayden Cailean! May he bring luck to our upcoming adventure!"

"Lort the Mighty. Pleasure to meet you! To Cayden Cailean... and also to Kurgess! May he bring us all strength and endurance," Lort pauses briefly and drops his voice to address Gunari privately (everyone in the room can still very clearly hear him, but it no longer hurts), "Sorry about the hair... didn't realize I was malting."

Down the hallway steps can be heard, more than just one person in fact. Just a few moments after the door swings open once again, presenting the Venture-Captain of the lodge of Almas; Brackett. Normally the brash and outgoing hatchet-faced veteran, now wears an expression of guarded concern. "Be seated." he orders the pathfinder agents as he walks by to the end of the table, followed by a scholarly type who carries a peculiar wooden case.

Once everyone has found a chair to sit on, Venture-Captain Brackett clears his throat and lean over the table, resting his fists on it.

"Good that you've come to know each other. Sorry for the delay. And welcome to Almas. But enough of the chit chat, this is not the time for leisure.

"I need you to venture into the Aspodell Mountains between Cheliax and Andoran; adwarven prospector there seeks a lost dwarven site and we want in on his expedition. The prospector's name is Torvic, and he's obsessively searched for years, hoping to find the hidden galleries of his ancestors, the dwarven craftsman Barek Triongger."

At this point, the chapter's librarian, the scholarly type, Wystorn Telfyr steps forward and from the small wooden case he produces several tattered scrolls and a gleaming, strangely phosphorescent pearl.

"We recently acquired these from, umm, a man called Beggar. They, umm, describe the Gallery of Wonders built by, umm, Barek Triongger during the death throes of the dwarven empire of, umm, Tak Khadurrm."

Picking up the strangely-glowing pearl, turning it side to side, the librarian continues. "These pearls are only found in the deepest of, umm, the Darklands' seas. While not especially valuable, a cache of these would be a rare, umm, find. Divinations revealed that, umm, Barek apparently used this one as a, umm, key. We could claim substantial favors from the dwarves of, umm, Emperor's Peak should we discover what it's a key for."

Venture-Captain Brackett nods as the librarian takes a step back, putting the pearl back into the case and setting it on the table.

"I'm wagering that Beggar stole these items, as the likelihood of a wandering vagabond possessing legally acquired dwarven heirlooms seems small. Looking through these documents and comparing them to Pathfinder Chronicles on the matter, it's clear that this Torvic is onto something." Brackett stands up and cocks a thumb toward Telfyr. "He was able to glean some information from Beggar about where he acquired these items and was also able to divine a likely location where the dwarf might be holed up. Find him and make an alliance with him; hopefully, he'll want his pearl back and will show you the way to the Gallery of Wonders."

"And before I forget, remember to pack for a long journey. It'll take weeks to reach the Aspodell mountains. I personally advise you to head to Oregent, Olfden, passing the Arthfell forest from the north, and finally to Piren's Bluff before setting on the last stretch. But that's just me, you might have some contacts and ways of your own."

"Sounds like fun," says Lort, "Looks like we need to find ourselves a dwarf. Well, another one. I'm personally happy with that suggested route - not like I know another one! Will you be providing us with rations for the journey? Horses?"

The half-orc absentmindedly fidgets with the case on the table. This guy didn't even leave us with a glass of water in this room - fat chance we'll get supplies. This pathfinding is looking to be costly work.

@Deussu: What sort of book-keeping do you want on rations and so forth for long journeys?

"Umm, you may look at the contents," Telfyr says and pushes the wooden case towards Lort. The case indeed contains a strange, glowing pearl – an opalescen stone that gleams with hints of fiery crimson. In addition there are several old parchments.

Venture-Captain Brackett smirks as he looks at Lort. "Nay, horses are expensive. And they'd be unsuitable in mountainous terrain, don't you agree? But feel free to back as much food and water you can carry from the lodge. We have a great supply of dried goods."

@Lort: See discussion regarding book-keeping.

Edgars looks sideways at Lort and says, "Really you need us to find a Dwarf in the mountain?" Edgar rolls his eyes.

"Excuse me, good Captain thank you for giving us the food for this journey that you need us to go on, but are you going to be giving us anything else? Perhaps a map?" "Or wine," says Edgar under his breath barely audible except by Lort who is next to him.

"I only ask, because I don't want to get up into the mountains and my companions freeze on me.

Lort lets out an audible sigh as Brackett opens the case. Paperwork. Oh goody. They had better be written in common. Lort riffles through the old pieces of parchment. His lack of care with the aged documents would disturb even the most easy going of wizards. Lort's lips move quite visibly as he attempts to read whatever is written on them.

Lort will happily carry up to 50 more pounds of food for anyone who needs it.

When the pearl is unveiled, Ozren immediately stands, as if unconsciously, and slowly walks to Wystern and the pearl, getting uncomfortably close to both. Without blinking, he tilts his head to the side and examines the strange glowing deepsea gem. He is fascinated with the item and stares at in silence for nearly a full two minutes before regaining his composure and re-taking his seat.

He speaks to the gathered pathfinders, again in a soft tone. My connection to the seas is always present. I shall provide our company with drinking water, so do not burden yourselves with the weight of such things. I cannot...he seems to struggle to find the appropriate words then quickly recovers I have difficulty carrying many things, or choosing the correct things...I would ask one of you to bring enough food for me as well in exchange for my gifts of fresh water.

He blinks a few times and settles, staring at the glowing pearl.

"More than a fair deal! My shoulders have plenty of room," Lort favors Ozren with a genuine, if a little condescending, smile, "For all of your food," he adds to the others.

Lort will just grab another 50 days' of trail rations to take him to the limit of his medium encumbrance. Ozren and other characters of low strength can feel free take advantage.

"Such a magnificent looking gem, it is my first time to see such a thing... is it magical?" Khalos asks Wystorn.

Not wanting to disturb Ozren's trance, Khalos carefully handles the scrolls as to not damage them further, examining the contents with a studious eye.

Knowledge, Arcana: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22
Knowledge, Local: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

Khalos can only speak Abyssal, Aklo, Common, Elven, Infernal, and Tien

After studying the documents, Khalos says to the rest of the party, "... I would need to take my camping gear from the inn before we leave. If anyone can cast Cure Light Wounds, I have a wand I may lend to you for the journey since I can't cast it myself." then clapping Ozren on the back gently, "Thank you for the offer, a week's worth of rations to share then."

Coming up beside Khalos Edgar says, "Let me have a look too. Since we are looking for another Dwarf I think I can be of assistance."

Standing beside Khalos Edgar studies the scrolls as well. With the ability to read Dwarven, as well as an insight into Dwarven lore and religion maybe he can decipher something from the scrolls.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
Knowledge, Religion: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

Ozren nods in thanks to Lort, not reacting to the half-orc's smile. He winces slightly when Khalos makes contact with him, but quickly realized no offense was meant. He runs a hand through his damp hair and stands. Thank you. Shall we begin our journey then?

"One moment, please. We cannot leave on such a momentous adventure without first observing the proper devotions! Gather round, everyone, and present your tankards. Never fear, if you don't have one, you can borrow my extra!"

Gunari casts the variant "Create Water" as "Create Beer", something only a true priest of Cayden Cailean could perform. He fills first his pitcher, and then any tankards around. If needed, he'll cast it a second (or third) time.

"We give thanks to the Lucky Drunk, and ask him to watch over us, and never let our tankards become dry. May our adventure be one of good fortune and good fun! All Hail the Drunken Hero!"

With that, Gunari downs his tankard, trying not to spill a drop, but probably failing.

Now we can go. Say, does anyone know if we'll be able to get supplies along the way? Especially good ale? Can't always be asking for hand-outs from the gods, you know! I'll pick up a firkin for good measure before we head out!"

He'll spend a total of 3gp on booze, which will get him a total of 15 gallons of ale. (unless it is being supplied by the Pathfinder Society... now, and along the way. Gunari really needs a day job, just to pay for his beer!

"A fine toast!" roars Lort as he messily downs his beer, "Now let's go walk for days on end to talk to some dwarf about a key. If everyone else is ready?"

Lort tries his best to remember what was written on the old parchments. Just as well Khalos and Edgar had a read. Over a week of travel with this priest and his instant beer and I won't remember a thing. Still, not bad to drink. Oh yes, this will be fun.

"I agree a fine toast as well as a fine drink. Many thanks Gunari."

Edgar grabs the following supplies:

Additional actions he will do on the way out of town:

"I'm ready when you lot are. Let go find my brethren."

Stretching a hand towards Zato, Khalos thought,
"Rest well for now my friend. We have a long journey ahead and I will summon you once we are close to our destination; we'll need your help most then."

As the eidolon warps back into his home plane, Khalos addressed Venture-Captain Brackett, "Did the study into this matter reveal any information regarding the dangers we might face? As I understand, Pathfinder Chronicles are very thorough on such matters. We would need that information before we leave."

Preparation is key before a journey, and a large part of that is information. Without it, we will still have to push forward and make do. Unfortunately my knowledge on engineering, dwarven or otherwise, but this should be a good experience either way.

"Well," Brackett ponders, scratching his short beard. "Dwarves have likely built their Gallery of Wonders underground. If it has been abandoned for a long time, it has most likely attracted various kinds of vermin. Personally I'd bring along items against them, such as vermin repellant."

You may roll Knowledge (history) or Knowledge (local) about the parchment's, which are written in Dwarven, although even Thalos' knowledge roll didn't pass the required DC.

Examining the pearl uses Appraise or Knowledge (dungeoneering) skills.

"Vermin repellant...a splendid idea. We wouldn't want a festering rat bite to halt us midway through our mission! Perhaps some antitoxin would be in order as well. "

The Venture-Captain looks at Thaddaeus worringly. "Uh, I said vermin repellant. Rats are rodents... surely you knew that, right?"

Lort considers saying something about all thumbs being fingers, but decides to leave the intellectual conversations to those who care. If we face a swarm, I'm next to useless - and it's not like I can afford alchemical fire anyway.

"My sword's all the repellent I need," Lort pats the massive blade next to his chair, then turns to Captain Brackett, "Thank you for the supplies. We won't let you down." With that, Lort grabs his pack, empty wine skin and makes ready to depart.

Happy to leave when you guys are. Let's get this started! If you still need to do things here or in town, no problems. Otherwise, I say let's hit the road!

"Excellent, food for Zatoma... I hope these vermin are not too large for him though."

Before turning towards the exit of the room, Khalos slightly bows his head towards Bracket and says, "Thank you for the information VC Brackett, we shall be on our way to find this Torvic. We shall see you again, with good news or otherwise."

Khalos will go to gather his camping gear from the inn before meeting the group at the town gates:
cold weather outfit
cold weather blanket
bedroll
7 days worth of trail rations

I seem to be cutting my train of thought lately, my previous post was missing a few words on Khalos' thoughts but I hope you guys get the gist. lol

knowledge local: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
appraise: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
evidently Maximoff is a little too far into his cups to really be paying close enough attention!
Gunari thinks about it a bit, and figures there wasn't any real clues in the parchment. In any case, luck is always on his side, so why worry. He will pick up cold weather clothing, just in case. If it gets really cold, he figures that he can pick up more gear as they get closer, or just memorize endure elements.

"Vermin..rodents. Disease carrying bottom feeders is what they are. They will be dealt with accordingly."

"Let us get started then."

Edgar mumbles under his breath, "To much talking is hurting my ears."

"I apologies my companions, but it has been a long day and we have even longer ones to come. I will meet you all at the gates as well, but first I must go pray."

Edgar bows before he turns and exits.

Just realized that a couple of my posts were not done using my Khalos alias... Didn't notice it because I had the same Avatar for both. lol

Khalos walks up to Lort and Edgar just outside the gates, taking shelter in the trees against the gloomy weather. Standing next to them, looking bored while waiting for the others, he says out loud "I find it good luck to have someone able to provide us water when needed on a journey like this. Growing up in a city has dimmed my understanding of needs in the wilderness."

Gunari seems to be paying at least a little attention to the discussion, in regards to the swarms, "Alchemists fire or acid... that's what we need, right? For swarm of critters? I guess I should pick up a couple of them as well. I'd suggest you all do the same!"

He will also buy an alchemists fire, alkali flask, acid flask, and 2 holy waters. Note to Deussu, you should be able to see these on the spreadsheet that I've created to track purchases. They will also get onto my ITS (I can rescan when I am done with this scenario)

Before the last pathfinder leaves the lodge, Telfyr hands out a map of the destination, describing it to the best of his abilities. Then Venture-Captain Brackett bids farewell to the team, wishing them the best of luck.

The journey is arduous and uneventful, save for dismal frigid rains. In the plains, the dreary autumn weather carries promises of harsh winter, but the mountain weather is far worse. After passing Piren's Bluff to gather the final supplies, it is but a mere four-day travel to the location Telfyr had indicated.

Finally, after all these weeks of travel by foot, clambering past jagged stone faces and slogging the ice-crusted mud, the pathfinder finally reach the valley Telfyr had described. Gnarled conifers surround the mountain trail, their fallen needles carpeting the rocky valley.

The trail continues forward, slithering back and forth uphill towards a cave. A plume of smoke rises from cave's mouth.

Khalos perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
Thaddaeus perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15
Edgar perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
Gunari perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Ozren perception: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (19) + 0 = 19
Lort perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

Edgar, and by some odd fluke Ozren too, hear sounds of fighting inside the cave.

Distance to cave entrance is approximately 100 feet uphill. Due to foliage and the steepness none can see clearly what's happening there.

Lort pulls his greatsword from its sheath. "Some action at last!" he bellows, "Sounds like someone might need our help. Follow me!" Holding his sword in one hand and using the other hand to help him clamber up the easiest part of the slope, Lort approaches the cave.

Edgar reacts before Lort can make a move up to the cave.

"Stop! Listen! As much as all of us want to get out of this weather and as inviting as that cave looks there are sounds of fightin coming from within. We need to be cautious as we approach the cave. Is everyone in agreement?

Ozren steps up to Edgar and Lort's position and looks toward the cave. he lifts his head and seems to be enjoying the rain despite its cold. Yes . Edgar has the right of it Lort. We should not rush into something we know little of. We need a scout.

"Yes, they are correct... allow me to summon my eidolon, so he may spy upon these sounds of battle that you hear."

Spending a minute of concentration, Zato will appear once again.
"Go my friend, you know what to do."

Khalos will cast Mage Armor and Resistance onto Zato before he leaves, and will Link to his senses as he silently slither into the cave.

"You and your comrades should wait near the entrance of the cave then. I am not as powerful as my elders yet."

Stealth to enter the cave unnoticed: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17
Perception upon entry: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (19) + 13 = 32

Edgar looks to Khalos, "That is a fine idea." and he starts climbing to the entrance of the cave.

Lort drags his feet a little on the way to the cave. Every now and again he makes an experimental swipe at a passing bush. After weeks on the road, the companions all know this to be Lort's Mighty Pout.

Lort grumbles something under his breath (audible to all) in orcish:

"Tyhmä varovaisuutta. Mitä he ajatellut lähettämistä käärme ennen minua? Viikkoa ilman taistelua, ja tämä on mitä saan? Skulking ympäri varjoissa? Häpeä heille!"

Edgar turns to Lort, "Stop your bellyaching. If there's things that need killing then it will be done. No need in rushing up there when we have no idea what to expect."

Lort turns to Edgar, "And what if your kin is being attacked up there?"

Lort continues bellyaching. The bushes definitely receive the worst of it. So much for a finely honed blade.

While we have a moment, Gunari takes a moment to "fortify his spirit" (of course, offering all around).

note: this will trigger his trait. He is actually careful not to drink too much while adventuring, but the Drunken Hero approves of some imbibing.

"While the eidolon does its job, let us give thanks to The Drunken Hero for the fun and excitement we are about to receive. And the beer!" praying, to Gunari, usually is a couple of words spoken over a drink. Cayden Cailean doesn't seem to mind.

Grumpily, Lort fills his mug and drains it before filling it again, showing none of the care that Gunari does regarding quantity. May Kurgess forgive me for entering battle so meekly.

"You have my thanks, Gunari. Caiden's bounty never fails to lift my spirits." If only a little.

monster 1: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
monster 2: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
monster 3: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

The fighting continues all the time the pathfinders dawdle in the valley.

Zatoma gets a good view 30 feet away from the cave entrance. Just as it gets there, the fighting stops, and the serpentine eidolon sees the result of the fight. A faint trail of smoke rises from a small campfire, and around it two small, blue-skinned creatures with ugly heads, and a dog-sized ant. Among their feet lies a dwarf, bleeding.

None of them have noticed Zatoma, apparently.