[PFS] GM 7thGate's The Wounded Wisp

Game Master 7thGate

Giovanni is excited to be in a place with this kind of history, but knows that it's a potential magnet for drama. He drinks his beer with a big smile on his face but scans the crowd for potential threats.

perc: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
sense motive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

"Oh? Are you pathfinders?" The man marks his place in his book and sets it down, looking curiously over at Nixim. "My name is Yargos Gill. I'm a historian, primarily of military matters, but take an interest in any of the great works of the past. I'm not a pathfinder myself, you understand, but I admire the work you all do, even if agents sometimes get a little...carried away." He hesitates briefly before continuing. "I don't think Sir Reinhart is planning to make the attempt today, however. If I recall, the gossip was that he has recently arrived from the crusades to the north, and is planning on making the attempt some time in the next few days. I am uncertain of the details, but it will be interesting to see if he manages to follow in Iomedae's footsteps. Perhaps the same techniques used to fight the demon horde at the Worldwound will help him prevail in the trials. You intend to attempt the trials some day? That is quite an ambitious goal."

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"Huh. Don't hear a lot of requests for that one, let me see if I can find a bottle." Heryn rummages around a bottom shelf behind a counter before coming out with a metal bottle. "Oh good, I was afraid I might I have to go to the store room, but it looks like we have some here." She pours Jan a mug of a thick, black brew with the consistency of molasses and a stong, alcoholic smell that looks to be flecked with small bits of some type of mushroom-type substance.

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Janira nods sagely to Vinny. "Ponies can be very useful! There is a lot of gear that can come in handy on a mission; torches, alchemist fire, healing wands, rope, soap, chalk, bags of flour, tents, waterskins, journals to make field notes; it can be hard to carry everything to a mission in the field. A good porter or pack animal can really help, although it can sometimes be difficult to get a pony into an abandoned ruin or other tight spot." Janira sighs heavily. "I once explored a ruin where there was a 20 foot drop right at the start, made a very hard time to get in for us, and impossible for the pack animals. Turned out to be a dud too, not a lot of interest for the work."

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The bar continues to buzz with the talk of the many patrons, as the two half orcs at the table next to the bar engage in an arm wrestling contest while piling up an impressive stack of empty tankards. Your group does seem to have caused a small stir; while many people are engaged in their own conversations, a few people seem to be watching you with mild curiosity, including a middle aged dark skinned man dressed in fine robes eating alone at a nearby table.

Giovanni smiles and raises his tankard at the man if they make eye contact.

The man smiles back at Giovanni, gesturing to offer one of the empty seats at his table before returning to his meal.

Giovanni gets off his stool to walk over to the table. I'll be right back, folks.

Giovanni takes the offered seat. Evening, friend. What brings you to the legendary Wounded Wisp?

"My name is Yargos Gill. I'm a historian, primarily of military matters, but take an interest in any of the great works of the past. I'm not a pathfinder myself, you understand, but I admire the work you all do, even if agents sometimes get a little...carried away."

L.B. migrates to the table with Yargos, eyes narrowed. "What do you mean by... carried away?," he asks suspiciously.

Heh...thanks, Pollock!

Nixim responds to Jan with a raised eyebrow, but also a growing smile.

Someone has taken me seriously...finally!

He responds with some apprehension, as if he does not want his most precious things trampled.

"Do you ever think of the space between the stars? The void...the absence of light? That is the place that calls to me...that beacons me to join it..." the gnome responds.

When Yargos asks if he will attempt the trials, he says "After I prove myself...I will attempt the trials. And, of course, pass."

Pollock turns so that he can keep an eye on Giovanni and the man he's joined for conversation. He sips on his ale and thinks a bit. So, we've just got to wait out the shift change at the bar. I hope there won't be any trouble. Elby's suspicions are rubbing off on him, and he's more comfortable in less populated areas. He looks around quickly at the state of the furniture and walls, to see if he can spot damage that would betray the frequency of tavern-clearing brawls. Perc: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16

He loses track of Nixim and Jan's conversation, but picks up the last few words of Nixim's confident assertion.

Jan tentatively swirls the mug, eyeing the vicosity of the fluid, then takes a tentative sip. The taste is not unbearably unpleasant. Jan asks "As a military historian, Mr. Gill, are there any subtle tactical blunders that kill an anamalously high portion of Pathfinders?" and takes another tentative sip.

L.B. migrates to the table with Yargos, eyes narrowed. "What do you mean by... carried away?," he asks suspiciously.

Yargos looks slightly taken aback, and blinks a few times before answering L.B. "Well, just that the society employs a wide range of individuals with different outlooks on life and the way to do their work. Explore, Report, Coorperate may be the pathfinder motto, but how they choose to do that can vary wildly. Some pathfinders are scholars, diplomats and strategists of the highest caliber, and I admire that. Some tend to try and solve all their problems with a strong arm or a ball of fire without giving their actions sufficient thought, and I admit I admire that somewhat less."

Jan tentatively swirls the mug, eyeing the vicosity of the fluid, then takes a tentative sip. The taste is not unbearably unpleasant. Jan asks "As a military historian, Mr. Gill, are there any subtle tactical blunders that kill an anamalously high portion of Pathfinders?" and takes another tentative sip.

Yargos chuckles wryly. "Aha. A most interesting question, and a wise one. From the pathfinder journals I have read, Pathfinders seem to find a wide range of creative ways to get themselves killed. Failure to spot surprise attacks is a common theme, however; even the mightiest can be felled if taken unaware without time to employ countermeasures. Poor swimming or climbing skills in high places or deep water, magical darkness, swarms of insects, bats or other creatures too dispersed to clear with physical strikes and magical mind control of a physically powerful friend are also relatively common causes of death, if they are not properly safeguarded against."

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Giovanni takes the offered seat. Evening, friend. What brings you to the legendary Wounded Wisp?

The man smiles as Giovanni takes the offered seat and bows his head slightly. "I seek a fine evening of relaxation, and the companionship of my fellow pathfinders. I am Aram bin Kaleel, member of the society and owner of Kaleel's curiosities. Welcome to my table, I would be pleased if you would join me for a bite to eat. You are relatively new to the society, yes? I do not recall seeing you here before."

kn local: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

new to the society and all. do i know of him?

Giovanni stiffens a bit. Apologies, Inquisitor, I did not recognize you. I must be as green as you pegged me. I would be honored to join you for a meal, although we are on a mission for Venture-Captain Dreng. Please don't find me rude if I take a rain check while we see to our task.

Pollock's ears perk up at Jan's insightful question. Excellent thinking, Jan! He enters the conversation with a quick comment. "That's good to know! I'll surely keep it in mind."

Nixim listens to the ways Pathfinders have died.

"And what of unlikely heroes? What have been patterns where Pathfinders have proven themselves mighty where no one expected it?"

L.B. seems mollified by Yargos' answers, and sits on the ground, sipping his milk as Yargos answers the others' questions.

"And what of unlikely heroes? What have been patterns where Pathfinders have proven themselves mighty where no one expected it?"

Yargos takes a sip of his ale and thinks for a moment. "Well, there have been many such. Many pathfinders have come from humble beginnings, but with wit, wisdom and sound tactics they have persevered and uncovered great discoveries. Those who learn from their fellows and from history, exercise caution and think before they take action oft find success."

Apologies, Inquisitor, I did not recognize you. I must be as green as you pegged me. I would be honored to join you for a meal, although we are on a mission for Venture-Captain Dreng. Please don't find me rude if I take a rain check while we see to our task.

"Of course, of course. It is good to see such dedication in the newer members of the society. And so informed, as well." Aram gives Giovanni a knowing smile. "Tell me, what do you think of Dreng? Do you feel prepared for whatever task he has set for you?"

He's definitely a character. Prepared? I'd be a fool if I say 'yes', huh?

Nixim seems satisfied with the answer about what it takes to be a hero.

"I have those qualities in spades," he says. "Now, I just need a mission to prove it!"

He looks anxiously over at the bar to see if the shift change has occurred.

He's definitely a character. Prepared? I'd be a fool if I say 'yes', huh?

"Indeed he is. And you are wise to be cautious, as even simple missions can turn complicated quickly in the society. However, if you are well prepared for many eventualities and feel confident in how you will mesh with your companions, you should not feel the need to pretend false modesty. Just do not be surprised if whatever the task is, it ends up with you facing a good deal more than it looked like you should at the onset." He gives a dry chuckle at a memory, and shakes his head. "There was one time, where I was tasked with a simple package delivery and somehow ended up fighting a swarm of rats while a priestess of a dark god tried to control my mind. Something that, while perhaps exciting, I do not particularly miss these days. Aram leans in slightly, steepling his fingers and giving Giovanni an appraising look. "If you were to face such a challenge, do you have the proper precautions in place, or know which of the pathfinders assigned to the mission with you would be most able to counter such threats?"

"I have those qualities in spades," he says. "Now, I just need a mission to prove it!"

Yargos blinks and thinks for moment before responding. "Well, you certainly are confident! I suppose that bodes well, though confidence can sometimes lead one astray. In fact, I was just reading about a fascinating example in the ancient elemental wars between the Jistka Imperium and the Osiriani Pharoahs. The ancient general mistook his opponents troop movements for a sign of retreat, while in reality..." He begins to fall ever deeper into the tale of a military campaign four thousand years and more dead, in which it seems a military commander from one empire failed to properly account for the capabilities his opponents had gained from their summoned elementals and committed a series of strategic and tactical blunders.

The talk of wars and battles has L.B. completely pulled in - the little wayang sits, ears flattened to his head in awe, as Yargos recounts the tales of ancient Osiriani battle and valor.

Yes, sir. I have 4 flasks of acid for the swarms and a potion of protection from evil for the priestess. As far as the group, it's definitely a group of beaters.

"Good. Good! It is always welcome to see that new members of the society are so well prepared. Just remember, that while a Pathfinder should be able to stand on his own two feet, he should also be able to lean on his fellows when needed. Your companions will make all the difference." Aram raises a glass to Giovanni. "A toast, to the successful completion of your mission."
After he drinks, he sets his glass aside. "If you ever find yourself in the coins district, please, come and stop by my shop. I would be honored if you would come to visit."

The general conversation continues for several minutes, as Yargos, Aram and Janira chat with the members of the team. Soon enough, Heryn's replacement arrives, taking over behind the bar.

"Whew! What a shift!" Heryn wipes her brow as she sets out the last drinks. "Sorry to steal these fine folks away, but I should get them the package they're here for. If you'll all follow me, it should be down in the wine cellar in the back."

Heryn leads the group back through the busy kitchen and down a narrow wooden flight of stairs, to a cool, solidly built stone basement storeroom tightly packed with barrels, boxes, and crates of assorted foodstuffs and drink garnishes. She leads the group through the door in the store room, and out into a large, mostly empty room with a fissure running through the floor. A rickety wooden board bridges the chasm, leading to the other side. "Make sure to watch your footing, the board's not very stable. The room split in the earthquake way back in 98', but its always been too deep to really be cost effective to fix, and we don't really need the space, so we just put the board across to get to the wine cellar." She shuffles slowly across the board before hopping down the other side. "The cellar's over this way"

Slide 2 on the map is up!

Cheers and thank you. Y'know we do probably have a spot for one more if you care to join us. Even split and all, you know the rules. Giovanni says knowing he won't get a "yes" but is worth a shot.

diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24

Presuming a failed attempt to recruit Aram, Giovanni follows Heryn down into the basement.

L.B. follows after Heryn, dropping to all fours and scrambling like an animal.

Am I right in guessing Acrobatics check to make it across the narrow surface?
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20

Aram shakes his head, politely declining the offer to join Giovanni.
"A tempting offer, but I believe Dreng would intend for you to learn from this experience on your own."

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L.B. scrambles across easily, the board not even flexing under his tiny frame.

The board is a little over a foot wide, so the base DC to cross is 5. As long as there are no modifiers to the check that would push it up to DC 10 or higher (such as trying to move at full speed), no check is needed to walk over the plank.

Jan removes the cloak and pack, as a precaution against any fungus frost brew induced unsteadiness and steps across.

Vinny follows the rest of the group down to the cellar. She eyes the board dubiously, but steps carefully across after Jan. "I suppose it would be a pain to fix, but sheesh that's unsettling." She gives her head a small shake as if to clear the image of the chasm from her mind.

Pollock looks at the mostly empty room, focusing on the near and far walls. Is there something I can tie a rope to, on both sides? I'd like to string a hand-hold across the bridge for extra security.

The board dangerously creaks and flexes in the middle as Jan crosses, but he makes it over safely.

As Vinny steps on the board, it creaks alarmingly. She decides to see if she can re-position it to make it more stable.

disable device: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

It doesn't seem to work. "You might want to be careful, Pollock, I don't think this thing is altogether safe." She sets her bag down to make herself lighter, then minces carefully over the board.

I think I'll need my rope later... and I don't see a good way to secure it over there... I'll hang onto it for now.
Pollock carefully crosses the plank bridge.

Jan turns around on the other side of the bridge and waits for the rest. Noticing Pollock and Vinny seem nervous, Jan upholds a carved wooden butterfly and prays to Desna on behalf of the rest of Vinny and Pollock. "Desna, who made the heavens and generously dispenses luck, hear now a traveller, and aid Pollock, Vinny and Giovanni on their way. May this bridge be sound, and their footing steady." The prayer complete Jan addresses Nixim. "Do you want a prayer too? I wouldn't presume to pray on behalf of a future deity." Jan's eyes are twinkling.

GM

Giovanni follows the crew across the plank.

traveling for work till Wednesday. Please bot me if I take too long.

Nixim makes his way across the narrow plank without too much trouble.

acrobatics: 1d20 ⇒ 14

Nixim smiles matter-of-factly at Jan.

"I would not turn any prayers away. It might be nice if my future compatriots get to know me sooner than later..."

Once across, he begins to look around.

"What do we have here?"

perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

Jan prays over the board, casting a simple spell to repair the damage done to it by the many years of use, strengthening it enough to make it a much sturdier bridge.

Heryn leads the group through the door on the far wall and into a large room filled with bottles of wine and ale. She walks over to the far wall, and starts counting along the top row of bottles. "Lets see, this was an old one. Which year was he on next...I think it was this one!" She stretches up, pulling a dusty bottle off the very top shelf. With an audible *click*, the shelf rotates and swings back into the wall, revealing a narrow stone passageway leading to a chamber lit by flickering yellow light.

Heryn looks shocked at the secret passage opening up. "Wow! I've been down here dozens of times, and I never knew this was here. She peers down the corridor, but makes no move to enter. "It looks like there's a desk or something in there?"

I went ahead and moved everyone into the wine room, but I'll let you move yourselves on the map from here since positioning may be important. I assume everyone is wearing their armor, but if you intend to draw any weapons or items before you go exploring the secret corridor, or wish to take any other precautions, please note it.

L.B. steps forward, eyes narrowed. The little Wayang doesn't trust... well, any of it, really.

Checking for traps or items of interest.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

Giovanni massages the bridge of his nose. secret room? This was supposed to be easy.

Giovanni draws his rapier.
on your guard. People in secret rooms value their privacy.

Giovanni draws his rapier.

on your guard. People in secret rooms value their privacy.

L.B. nods at the reminder and quietly unslings his crossbow, loading it with a quarrel.

Vinny's mouth drops open when the secret room appears. "I'm just gonna...go back and get my bag..." She goes back across the board, picks up her pack and comes back to the group. "No way am I investigating a secret room without my babies!" She pulls out a bomb, then re-situates the bag on her back. "Can't be too careful, after all."

Nixim eyes the secret corridor suspiciously, but with no small measure of excitement.

"They knew! They knew this whole time this wasn't about a wine delivery! This is a test...a test of whether we would do something menial, but with a chance to do something great? Or did they know at all? Regardless, this is a chance to prove myself!"

The gnome enters the room, longspear at the ready.

"Yeah, did Dreng know his next vintage would be the doorknob? I'm surely gonna watch him closely when we tell him what's going on..." Pollock thinks for a second. "Hey Heryn, do you still have the bottle that triggered the doorway? We should keep it safe for Dreng! Perhaps we should pretend that nothing happened..."

Shaking thoughts of the Venture-Captain away, Pollock turns to the new challenge at hand. Despite the light being cast from the passageway, Pollock takes the time to light a torch from his pack. He also removes his sling from a pouch, and readies a stone.

Lifting his torch, Pollock approaches the narrow entrance. "Do you see anything, Elby? I'm right behind you!"

I'd like to move into a near corner of the next room. What is the protocol for moving through Elby's tile?

No protocol - L.B. won't stop you, though he may cover his eyes against the splatter from whatever trap you may trigger ;)

You can move through allies without any problems. I went ahead and moved you and Nixim on the map.

"I've got the bottle. I'm sure Venture Captain Dreng will be happy to get his wine, although he'll probably be much more excited about this! A secret passage in the wisp's basement! Unless he already knew this would happen?" Heryn peeks around the corner over L.B.'s shoulder. "Be careful in there..."

A sturdy silver chain jutting from the ceiling ends in a glowing orb that radiates yellow light across this rectangular room. A simple desk of polished wood, stacked with documents and scattered notes, shelters a pair of wooden chests against the south wall. A series of cracks along the eastern and western walls form makeshift entrances into exposed caverns.

You can all go ahead and position yourselves before you decide to do whatever it is you want to do with the desk. Whoever wants to investigate the desk can go ahead post about it, and I'll wait for everyone to have a chance to position themselves before I post the results.

Before paying any attention to the desk, L.B. creeps into the the room and peers through the cracks into the space beyond, his crossbow Betsy at the ready.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19
Moved on map

"I should be the first to lay eyes on this magnificent discovery," Nixim says, moving all the way over to the desk.

perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

Vinny peers into the room but doesn't go all the way in. "I'm going to stay out here, keep a look out. I don't want to bring this," she indicates her bomb "into such a small room with all of you. Much more use out here if anything sneaks up on us!"

Moved myself one square forward on the map.

Giovanni walks up to the desk and looks around. What do you think, Nixim?

perc: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

"Pretty crowded in here, huh? Maybe this-" Pollock holds up his sling- "wasn't the best choice after all." He sheepishly stuffs it back in his belt pouch.

Then Pollock looks at the cracks in the wall, taking a cue from Elby. If anything comes out from there, what's my plan? Pollock remembers the net he as got in his pack, and takes it out. If anything comes out of these cracks, I'll throw my net on it, just like casting from the boat.

After readying his net and torch, Pollock takes a look down the crack nearest him. Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10