[PFS] GM ShieldBug's The Year of the Sky Key

Game Master ShieldBug

Lady Dacilane looks taken aback by Brock's question. "Good heavens, no! My daughter is only a child. That is why I am asking you to protect her. Junia did not age mentally or physically while sleeping in the crypt. It is a mystery that has never been explained. Even though we should be celebrating her twenty-eighth birth year, she still appears and acts like a child of eighteen. As such, I suggest you make sure nothing goes wrong."

"I am glad to hear it, Sir." Lady Dacilane says to Forrest as he reasserts the team's qualifications, but she seems to grow uncomfortable as he asks his question. "Since her return, Junia's adolescence has been... troubled. The lesser children marked her different and odd because of her traumatic history. They avoided her and started talking about her behind her back. I did the only thing I could do. I hired a tutor and rarely let Junia leave our home. I'm not letting anything else happen to my only daughter." She pauses for a second, then pointedly adds, "And neither will you." She glances at each one of you, to make sure everyone is clear on that matter, then continues. "Unfortunately, this means that Junia is not as 'worldly,' as you put it, as I would like. That is one of the reasons for this little outing."

She exchanges a look with Venture-Captain Dreng when Danicka starts to stammer, as if to ask if someone so young and nervous sould really be responsible for her daughter's safety. However, she seems to trust the old man's judgement and answers both Forrest's and Danicka's questions. "She is incorrigible in this matter. I am afraid that if I do not let her go under your supervision, she will slip out one night and... Please, just take her wherever she wishes within reason in the Precipice Quarter. I appreciate that It is a dangerous place, even during daylight hours, so use your best judgement. I want her to get this foolishness out of her system, so let her stay as long as she wishes, but bring her back before nightfall tomorrow."

Yaiho rises from his seated position, the part of his upper chest revealed by his jacket shows his muscles ripple. He looks at Lady Dacilane and smiles with his razor sharp tusk. "No fear. Yaiho strong. Yaiho crush any threat to daughter."

Danicka's eyes widen at the sight of Yaiho's absurdly muscular chest. She blushes brightly, pointedly looks away and fans herself with her hand.

Oh, my! Practically naked! Don't faint! DON'T FAINT!

Looking quite flushed, Danicka continues to fan herself.

If she wasn't so refined, Lady Dacilane might have swooned at the sight of all those rippling muscles, the bare chest, and tight leather trousers. As it is, she flushes ever so slightly and slowly raises her gaze to meet his eyes. "I am confident that you will do your chest- your best..." She turns a little redder at the slip, but quickly regains her composure and adds, "A good, strong bodyguard is exactly what I was hoping for when I requested Pathfinder assistance. I already feel better knowing someone of your stature will be close to Junia at all times." She smiles, then focuses her attention on the other Pathfinders in the room, waiting for any final questions before calling for her daughter.

"Good heavens, no! My daughter is only a child

Brock nods to the lady at this comment, reserving his sneer for when she wasn't looking.

I had killed my first man long before 18. She's a child because of her pampering, not age.

Instead of voicing his displeasure at being saddled with a sheltered, useless, adult , he simply gives a brilliant smile and says.

"We are more than capable of protecting her, your grace, it is just wise to go into a thing knowing all the neccessaries. We are highly capable and Yaiho here" pointing unintentionally directly to the half orcs thirteen pack, "is an excellent protector, not to mention that brave Forest and I are peerless combatants, she will be in excellent hands."

His thoughts drift to the scandalous for a moment, before he shakes them off, not wanting to make powerful enemies in such a useful town. Looking for a distraction his roving eye wanders the room and falls on Danicka, noticing her without her cloak for the first time, causing a double take.

Hey now, she's not half bad in that getup. Got her some nice shoulders, too bad for the boots, I bet she has some nice ankles.

His mind then drifts into a different, more disturbing daydream involving the woman he normally thinks of as his younger, awkward, sister

Ugh, what the hells? I need to get laid

"Hopefully she isn't squeamish if we run into trouble...Mr. Crusher can be a little messy. Humans can be quite delicate." Rook adds snidely as the ladies swoon.

Maybe we can sell a date with Yaiho for an extra reward. Bah, let's get this crazy show on the road.

Rook looks to the lady and addresses her directly this time, "My questions will be directed at our charge. She is the mission after all."

Arin speaks up for the first time, considering all that the noble lady wants out of this job.

“I suspect she will witness us dealing with some unsavory things. The exposure will at least do her the good of broadening her vision, and making it clear what one can’t handle alone when they venture out. If this is the lesson you desire for her, we shall provide it with full protection and keep any of the witnessed danger from passing to her.”

He attempts to assure her with a more practical angle. He momentarily removes his monocle to scratch his nose, and then unconsciously puts it back on the opposite eye.

Lady Dacilane nods at Rook and Arin, "I do not mind a little mess, so long as my Junia is never truly in danger. Anything to cure her of her unnatural obsessions. Perhaps after witnessing such unsavoury sights, Junia will snap her out of her childish ways and finally accept her place in Absalom high society where she belongs." Content with your credentials, she glides gracefully towards the door and calls up the stairs. "Junia! It's time. Come down and meet your escorts."

Lady Dacilane's daughter comes bounding down the stairs and into the sitting room. She has her mother's height, black hair, and fine facial features, but that's where the similarities end. Unlike her mother's carefully coiffed hair, Junia's is short and practical, and she carries herself with a confident swagger with none of the ladylike grace of her mother. She is dressed in grey breeches, knee-high leather boots, a white cotton shirt, and an azure blue riding coat with tails, decorated with a golden eagle pin on the lapel. Beneath her jacket, it's clear that she's wearing a mithral chain shirt.

Upon arriving in the drawing room, Junia militarily clicks her heels and greets her mother with a mischievous grin. Lady Dacilane immediately turns bright red with embarrassment. "Junia Morticia Dalcilane! What in Asmodeus' name possessed you to wear such a ridiculous outfit?" She says in exasperation, hands on her hips, "And in front of our guests as well! You... I..." At a loss for words, and clearly mortified, Lady Dacilance throws up her hands and sweeps furiously out of the room without another word. Junia just smiles more and practically bounces into the room, introducing herself as she shakes everyone's hand. "Hi! I'm J.," she says, the excitement obvious in her voice, "like the letter. I think It's just so awesome that you guys are doing this!"

With the introductions made, Dreng turns to you and says, "Well, I'll leave you to it then. After all, I really should be getting back to the Grand Lodge. Important Venture-Captain work and all that." As he's leaving the room, he suddenly stops and reaches into his jacket pocket, producing a large, iron key. "Oh, I almost forgot! You'll need this to open the gates to the Tri-Towers Yard." As he hands the key over, he mutters further. "As for your earlier concerns about the dangers of the Tri-Towers yard; the necropolis below has been cleared of undead, but try to stay away from the partially restored surface structure. It still holds a rather dangerous haunt. We've tried to eliminate it several times, but it keeps coming back. If you do need to go in there, take a look in the supply shed first, you may find it useful." With a sly wink, he turns and exits the room, exchanging pleasantries with the halfling servant as he leaves the Manor.

J. picks up a backpack from a stool in the corner, pulls a kukri from a side pouch, which she sheathes at her hip, then straps on the backpack and looks at you expectantly. "Well, shall we go? I'm ready when you are."

The handouts have been updated with an image of J. :)

Danicka stammers a farewell to Lady Dacilane, and examines J. After a moment she blushes,

Oh, she looks so confident and proud! ...If only I could be like that...

"H-h-hello, J." Danicka squeaks. She moves to get up, only to remember she can't stand in these shoes and thinks better of it, remaining seated.

Knowing she has no pockets on this dress, Danicka lets someone else take the key.

"Leave? R-r-right now?" Danicka stammers. "Oh, we weren't informed we'd be leaving on a potentially dangerous mission from here. I'll need to fetch my gear first." She blushes brightly, terribly embarrassed to be holding up the group.

Danicka needs a stop at the Grand Lodge first, then she's good to go.

Forrest stares at the young woman, perhaps longer than appropriate. I'm not sure what I expected, but it certainly involved more frilly pink dresses and fainting. I suppose we already have Danicka for that. He shrugs his shoulders and ventures a question. "Jay, perhaps it would be helpful if you shared your intentions with us. What do you want out of this little adventure today? " He says this with head slightly bowed, not going bending at the waist like he did with her mother.

He nods to Danicka. "That sounds like a good pit stop. These outfits were not made for trekking through a dangerous district. " He adjusts his collar again, unhappy with the fit. Maybe I shouldn't have worn my chain shirt under the dress shirt. That can't help.

Brock eyes J's outfit and weapon with a critical eye.

Practical clothes, serviceable weapon. Probably still a pretender but could be worse

At the others mention Brock agrees, "We will need to stop and get our gear, then we can head down"

As they walk back to the grand lodge, Brock takes a mental note of what gear he has on hand.

Standard lead ball, got that, undead shouldn't need anything fancier. Torches, check, flint and steel, yeah. I really should buy a lantern for things like this. Wonder if there's one in the lodge, but then I'd need to carry oil, and do I really want to carry more extremely flammable gear? Hmmm. Wonder if our good for nothing wizardess can cast light, I don't recall. Or maybe Rook has some alchemical thing.

Feeling that he had all the gear he probably would need, Brock remains silent for much of the walk to the Grand Lodge.

Selecting Danicka's spells for the day. Some are different than normal, since she's expecting haunts and undead (who shockingly are unaffected by her merciful nature... lol).

Danicka listens to Jay's hopes for the trip...

---

When they leave the manor, Danicka stumbles down the road. After a few moments she gets frustrated in her fancy boots and follow's Arin's lead, taking them off and carefully picking her way barefoot along the cobbled streets. Finally able to stand without trouble, she sighs happily.

"Oh! That's delightful!"

When they arrive at the lodge, Danicka hurries off to her room. She tosses her wet cloak and boots in the corner, dries her feet off on a towel, slips on a pair of simple black leather flats and tosses on her backpack, completely forgetting to change out of her fancy clothes and switch back to her favourite, ugly hat. With her umbrella in hand and her broom in the other she hurries back outside and rushes to meet up with her friends.

Panting and out of breath, she smiles. "Oh, g-good! I was worried I would take too long and you'd leave me behind!"

Danicka blushes at admitting to such insecurities. "Sorry for the delay."

Prickles stands beside her, looking quite fierce despite his goofy pink bow.

Yaiho looks down at J, "Why you dress like fancy eagle knights?"

With the others mention picking up their gear, Yaiho nods. "Need masher and armor."

"You look more capable than I would expect. I still wouldn't recommend getting too adventurous. Do you know anything of the Arboretum? " he asks while sizing up their new recruit.

When they mention getting their gear he happily nods.

"If she heads to the Lodge one of the Venture-Captains will have her holding a wayfinder before the end of this ordeal! Might not be a terrible idea if we can work out a referral fee." he smiles as they walk.

Undead and haunts? Time to break out the Holy Water!

Setting up some of my extracts.

Arin notes how ready J looks to directly partake in the dirty work. It worries him a bit.

"It's a pleasure to meet you J." He warmly offers up his hand to her.

"Say, do you by chance speak Abyssal?" Perhaps he can keep her occupied as a translator during "exciting" times.

When Yaiho asks her about her outfit, J. smiles wider. "Oh, this?" She asks, brushing down her jacket proudly, "It's just something I threw together." She tries to sound dismissive, but can't keep a straight face and gives Yaiho a conspiratorial wink. To Forrest's question, she gives a shrug and becomes a little more subdued. "I don't know really... I guess I just need to see the Drownyard for myself, you know? Figure some stuff out." J. then moves on to shake Arin's hand, "Oh, the pleasure is mine!" She says, her confident and warm smile returning. "I speak Infernal, and know a little Halfling, but I'm afraid I was never taught Abyssal. Why do you ask? Is it a Pathfinder thing?" She asks, genuinely interested.

While shaking Rook's hand, she confesses that she doesn't know much about the arboretum, but as soon as it becomes apparent that the gear everyone is talking about is at the Grand Lodge, J's eyes light up. "Excellent! Let's go!" She seems particularly pleased with Rook's passing comments about what might happen if she heads to the lodge, and with her backpack secure, she heads for the door. "Good luck, Miss J!" The servant calls as J. walks by, "Thanks, B!"

Once outside, J. breathes a sigh of relief and visibly relaxes. "I almost thought mum was going to change her mind about all this." Then she waits for you to lead the way. During the 10 minute walk back to the Grand Lodge, J. makes animated conversation, eager to hear about your lives and adventures as Pathfinder Society agents. "So what made you decide to be Pathfinders, guys? I've heard that the Society's members are really diverse, with people from all walks of life." She has another look at what you are all wearing and clearly believes that part is definitely true.

---

Passing through the gates of the Grand Lodge. J. almost seems starstruck as she looks around the grounds, seeing all the Pathfinders going about their business, and waits patiently as everyone gets ready, a big smile pasted on her face. "I've read all the chronicles of the agents who saved me," she confides, "and their courage in the face of danger is always so inspirational. Do you think any of them are here right now?" She smiles at the goofy pink bow on Prickles, and adds to Danicka. "The bow on your dog actually reminds me of one of them."

Once everyone is ready, J. takes a deep breath. "Okay, so I guess we should head to the Drownyard now? It's just... I haven't been out of the house much in the last few years. I'm not sure what the best way to walk to the Precipice Quarter from here is."

You are all familiar enough with Absalom to know that there are two main ways of reaching the Precipice Quarter from the Grand Lodge. The most direct route is through the mercantile Coins district and then along the edge of the Merchant's Quarter. The second is by continuing through the Foreign Quarter and then through the Docks.

Know Local: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16

Brock is amused by the naive questions being asked by their charge, but has to interject.

"Remember that chronicles are written to make us look good, not that I need embellishment, and that many Pathfinders aren't noble heroes. Many are greedy and conniving, just out for the coin or the chance to access forbidden locations and texts. Best to take the rose colored glasses off now before your preconceptions are shattered. "

Gathering his gear, relieved to be back in his battered leathers and holding his musket, he surveys the group.

"Its market day. Market will be packed with idiots, carts and pickpoclets. I say we take the Docks route, bonus if we get to run off some muggers, as a warm up." patting his musket fondly, "Give this here a little break in"

Looking on the perky young woman, Brock has a pang of regret, wondering how he could have turned out if he'd grown in a safe home instead if the streets and orphanages.

Eh, I probably would turned out the same

Mildly concerned that their charge speaks fluent Infernal, Forrest hesitantly answers her question. "I joined the Society for acceptance and a better life. The Society took me in, without some of the bothersome background questions other groups have. " He scratches his chest absentmindedly, thinking of the large tattoo of ownership which still resides there. "Before that I worked in a mortuary, as an assistant. You can learn a lot from the dead. Teaches you your enemy's weaknesses, and your own. " He looks at the noble, gauging her reaction. Well, they did want us to show her the real world.

"And before that, well... let's just say I was in training to be a butler. And I had some fencing training as a bonus. " He smirks at the half truth, well aware of his proximity to Misery Row.

"You can say my name, Brock," Rook laughs and winks at J, "the Society gets some cut of the profit. I owe them that much for getting me out of Belkzen."

Thinking through the problem as well Rook knows it is easier to trust a thug over a merchant so he nods along with Brock.

"Yeah, we know what to expect at the Docks even if it isn't pleasant. The Market is full of surprises on a normal day often because someone wants to try out my wares."

He then pulls down his bandanna to rest around his neck letting Needle materialize and rest upon his shoulder.

I want a second pair of eyes today.

"Oh, don't get her hopes too high, Rook." Danicka replies. Then she looks at J. with a kind, bashful smile. "Becoming a Pathfinder takes a lot of hard work. There's years of training, and studying. You won't get to join quite so easily." After a moment of thought, she adds, "But, I suppose if you really want to try, after our trip to the Tri-Towers Yard, one of us could help you apply for training. There are a few Venture-Captains who owe us a favour, so I'm sure we could get you a foot in the door."

---

"I'm not sure if they're around, J." Danicka admits. "That was nearly a decade ago. I'm sure they're not rank and file Pathfinders, anymore. What were their names? If you really want to speak with them, I could look into it. Perhaps the next time one of them is around they might agree to meet with you."

---

"Why did I become a Pathfinder?" Danicka mutters. "Oh, my..." she blushes brightly. "Well, I.... Uh..." Blushing even brighter, Danicka admits, "I'm from Magnimar, originally. And my mother was a great hero. She saved the city a few times. there's even a statue of her there, right in one of the marketplaces." Danicka smiles fondly, then suddenly looks very embarrassed. "Next to her, I was... Well... Most people didn't even know she had a daughter. I took up wizardry, and did very well in school, but I could never live up to her exploits. And then, when she died, I just... I needed a fresh start. A chance to make a name for myself, and be a hero. So... here I am." After a moment, Danicka adds, "It's not always glamorous... And it's a lot of work. Sometimes things don't turn out the way you... want. I'm almost always terrified... But, I've made some really good friends." Danicka blushes brightly, and avoids looking at those friends... Then, with a glitter of excitement in her eyes she adds, "And I HAVE been a hero a few times. I've saved lives, and even a whole town once!"

With an bright smiles, she finished, "Those are the best parts. Saving lives. Making a difference. And... the friends you make along the way. They're the first real ones I've had."

---

At J.'s remark about Prickles, Danicka looks suddenly worried. "Oh, he may look adorable, but I assure you he's terribly fierce! Don't let that bow fool you! He only wore that to impress your mother and make him look sophisticated. Oh! And be sure you don't touch me or anything. Prickles is very protective of me. He'll try to tear your throat out." Supresing a shiver, Danicka adds, "It's not a pretty sight..."

Looking quite pale, Danicka gives J. a nervous smile. "I'm... sure it will be... fine!" she squeaks. "Just keep your distance from him... And me...."

---

"The Docks?" Danicka stammers. "Oh, that is a rough neighbourhood. I hope the muggers stay far away from us. I'd rather avoid unnecessary death with J. around."

Yaiho struts through the streets back toward the Grand Lodge. With J asking about their origin story, Yaiho smiles. "Yaiho from tribe on mountain covered in snow. Yaiho strong warrior, tribe's hero. Even though Yaiho has human father. But Yaiho interested in world father came from. Father retired member of Society. Gave letter. Yaiho give letter to Society. Yaiho now Society great warrior."

Upon arriving at the Grand Lodge, Yaiho goes to his room and returns quickly wearing his armor, carrying his earthbreaker, and his pack while munching on some dog biscuits he stole from Danicka.

"Yaiho say Dock. Shopping place annoying when too many people. Plus Yaiho hungry." He grins wide with his tusk as he looks mischievously down at J.

Prickles growls at the big one ferociously, clearly recognizing HIS treats in the big one's mouth.

Danicka pales and looks horribly worried. "Oh, dear! No, Prickles! Don't eat, Yaiho! Please? I have plenty of treats for you!"

Danicka quickly digs through her pack and tosses Prickles a few treats of his own.

Happily, Prickles eats them, instead of attempting to gnaw on Yaiho.

Danicka looks very relieved.

Needle seeing Prickles growling picks up a piece of chalk from Rook's pouch and drops it in front of the dog.

"Reeeyah" it adds while it eats another piece.

"You better be glad chalk is cheap..." he yells at Needle.

J. then moves on to shake Arin's hand, "Oh, the pleasure is mine!" She says, her confident and warm smile returning. "I speak Infernal, and know a little Halfling, but I'm afraid I was never taught Abyssal. Why do you ask? Is it a Pathfinder thing?" She asks, genuinely interested.

He chuckles a bit uncomfortably, realizing his question was turned back on him. duh "Well, I have a bit of a divine curse where it's all I can speak while under stress, which is almost always in battle. I just thought I'd check and see if you would be one who could understand me at those times."

Once outside, J. breathes a sigh of relief and visibly relaxes. "I almost thought mum was going to change her mind about all this." ..."So what made you decide to be Pathfinders, guys? I've heard that the Society's members are really diverse, with people from all walks of life." She has another look at what you are all wearing and clearly believes that part is definitely true.

Arin starts to loosen his ridiculous outfit as they walk away, adding "Yes, and you're looking already comfortable in that outfit. We all got dressed up for this occasion and I think most of us are screaming to be released from these formal attire cages." Arin feels like the golden snitch's pimp.

"These outfits are definitely not what make this group diverse, although there may be some hidden issues in how each of us approached the problem. No, for me the Pathfinder Society was a way to attempt to explore my divine curse. Before it struck, it seemed like my life was fairly well put together and predictable. Now it seems my fate is to be controlled by divine powers that have not revealed themselves." He trails off and ends there, not really satisfied that this is as good as he can explain for now.

In Dacilane Manor...

"But, I suppose if you really want to try, after our trip to the Tri-Towers Yard, one of us could help you apply for training."

J. smiles widely at the idea for a moment, but then looks down at her feet and quietly says. "Thank you for the offer, but... My mum would never allow it. She says that I'm supposed to 'join Absalom high society,' whatever that means..." She shuffles her feet for a moment, deep in thought, then snaps her head back up. "Anyway, we should really get going!"

During the walk / At the Grand Lodge...

"Best to take the rose colored glasses off now before your preconceptions are shattered."

J. seems to look a bit disappointed in what Brock has to say about the Pathfinder Society. "But not all agents are like that, right? I mean, the agents who saved me have never asked for anything from my mum or me!" She protests, and by the time Brock has returned with all his gear, J. has pulled a well-thumbed copy of the Pathfinder Chronicles out of her pack. "Have a look at this and tell me that those agents aren't heroes!" She points at a bookmarked page describing how a Pathfinder Agent sailed on tidal waves and rescued an Aspis agent from an unidentified giant dragon-frog-beast, even though the Consortium and the Society are sworn enemies.

"I joined the Society for acceptance and a better life. The Society took me in, without some of the bothersome background questions other groups have."

"That sounds so nice! Soo... They really do accept you, no matter where you're from, or... or how weird most other people think you are?" J. asks Forrest. "I'm asking for a friend." She seems surprisingly unperturbed by Forrest's description of his previous occupation. "I've never actually seen a dead body before, although some of my mum's friends look a bit like they are. All pale and stiff, like they have sticks up their butts or something." She lets out a little laugh.

"That was nearly a decade ago. I'm sure they're not rank and file Pathfinders, anymore. What were their names? If you really want to speak with them, I could look into it. Perhaps the next time one of them is around they might agree to meet with you."

*Squeee!* The sound escapes J's lips before she knows what's happening. "You really think that could happen? I've wanted to meet them for, like, ever! Oh, I could get my books signed." She excitedly lets Danicka know all the names of the agents who saved her, what (she imagines) they look like, and even shares some of the highlights of their careers. J. eventually calms down as Danicka is sharing her story. "Your mum sounds a bit like mine. Well, obviously not the heroic part, but... A lot to live up to, you know?"

"Yaiho say Dock. Shopping place annoying when too many people. Plus Yaiho hungry."

"If you're hungry, isn't it better to go through the coins?" She asks innocently, evidently unaware of Yaiho's reputation.

"...Before it struck, it seemed like my life was fairly well put together and predictable. Now it seems my fate is to be controlled by divine powers that have not revealed themselves."

"Oh you poor thing! That sounds terrible..." J. exclaims, "If you want to talk about it, well, we're going to be hanging out together all day, or maybe more, so we can talk... if you want." She says earnestly before kneeling down in front of Arin and whispering. "I sort of know how you feel..." She hops back to her feet and cheerfully adds, "Anyway, I hope you understand what's happening to you soon."

Follow up post soon...

As you make your way through the docks, the journey is light-hearted, and J’s attitude is contagious. She keeps her well-thumbed issue of the Pathfinder Chronicles out of her pack, showing Danicka more about the agents who saved her and just what she means about Prickles' pink bow.

That's where things change.

Not wanting to slow anyone down, J. tries awkwardly to put the book back in her pack while still walking and accidentally drops it. "Oops" She immediately stops to pick it up, falling behind a few steps. Only a few moments have passed, and no one suspects anything until you hear J. yelp. You turn to see a group of young men surrounding her. They had just stumbled out the back door of a tavern, and one man, in particular, is right in the young noblewoman's face, having obviously already kicked her book away from her reach. "Hey, traitorous peasant! What'cha doin' 'ere!?" He yells in a slurred, hateful voice. "Eagle Knights ain't welcome 'round these parts!” The man drunkenly shoves J. with a meaty finger, prompting laughter and jeering from his friends. None of the men are much older than J. herself and are all dressed in dishevelled uniforms bearing the insignia of Chelish Marines. One of the other men spits on the floor. "Yeah, maybe we oughta show 'er what we do with rebels! Stuff 'er skinny ass in a crate and send 'er back where she came from!" J. juts her chin out bravely, but even from your position at the end of the alley, you can see she is shaking. "You just try it!" She yells defiantly.

There are five men in total, all currently with their swords and saps safely stowed away on their belts under bright red sashes. While the three of them surround J., goading her into a fight, the other two stumble drunkenly towards you with their hands up. "M-" *Beeelch* "Military business... This doesn't concern you, move along."

I'm rolling initiative now, just in case you want to spring into action. However, unless someone initiates a round of combat, we're not strictly in initiative yet. ;)

COMBAT TRACKER - Round 1? - If combat initiated, only Bold may act - Map
------------------------------------------------------------

Forrest ( )
Junia ( )
Rook ( )
Arin ( )
Brock ( )
----------------------
Orange / Pentagon ( )
Pink / Square ( )
Green / Octagon ( )
Red / Circle ( )
Blue / Diamond ( )
----------------------
Yaiho ( )
Danicka & Prickles ( )

ONGOING EFFECTS / ENVIRONMENT
None.

PENDING
None.

"Have a look at this and tell me that those agents aren't heroes!"

Brock smiles thinly and responds, "That group may indeed have been heroes, some Pathfinders are. But many arent. Remember that the Society believes the end justifies the means and we ourselves have been ordered to lie, cheat, steal and yes, even murder for the Society. Sometimes the hard tasks require hard men.

I know a Paladin who was so disgusted with the immorality of the Society that it drove a rift between him and his goddess. They saved the city, but he fell. Pathfinders say net gain, but at what cost."

Lowering his voice and leaning in so the others can't hear he continues, "Between you and me, Danicka is our most heroic, though she hasn't hit her stride yet. Arin and Forest are genuinely good as well. Yaiho tries, but don't get him mad. Me and Rook? Well, not so much. Pathfinders need and want all sides, but those Chronicles gloss over the real bits, the dirty bits, the bad bits, because those don't make a good story."

Later

Busy looking ahead for danger, Brock lets his vigilance slip a moment while leering at a particularily beautiful barmaid, and finally notices J in a bit of a fix.

Notifying his companions he turns around and approaches the drunken marines, putting on his most viscous smile.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

"Sorry to tell you, but that girl there is ours. I'd ask you to head back into the bar and leave her be, before you make the worst... and last... mistake of your lives."

He finishes with his evil grin, eyes telling them that he would love nothing more than them making that vert mistake.

"Yaiho here looks hungry."

Dang, would have been a perfect time for Frightening Gaze, or modified Dazzling Display (I get next level). J's optimism reminds me of Cleasby in Larry Correia's Into the Storm let's hope her education doesn't get that intense. Dang that makes me want to play Iron Kingdoms RPG

"Oh you would be surprised all the different business that concern me. My favorite is blowing up squirming rats like you and I just happen to have some new explosives ready to go. Listen to the man, drop your fool's errand." Rook grunts at the approaching men palming a bomb.

Intimidate (Aid): 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (3) - 2 = 1 OUCH. One of these levels I am going to take Additional Traits and get Bruising Intellect from being around Brock

After reading the Pathfinder Chronicle J. Showed her, Danicka looks impressed. "Wow, they do sound terribly brave and heroic..."

Danicka smiles at J.'s enthusiasm. "I'm sure they'd love to sign your books. Besides, It doesn't hurt to try."

---

When the men accost J. and her companions begin to threaten them, Danicka pales and let's out a shriek of terror. She hurries over and interposes herself between J. and the men, without a thought to her own safety.

"Please, back up! My friends aren't joking! I don't want you to die, so please... just... go?" Danicka's voice wavers and squeaks, but not out of fear of them, out of fear for them. clearly she's worried her friends will slaughter them in the street.

"I really don't want to pick your gray matter out of my hair today..." After a worried moment she adds, "I'll buy you a drink..?"

Accidental Intimidate: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12

Prickles follows his pet over to the stinky aggressive men and growls ferociously. If they so much as touched his pet he'd tear the insides out with his teeth.

Prickles is on defend, as always, and clearly will defend Danicka if she's harmed.

Intimidate (Aid Other): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

Yaiho steps up just behind Brock and to the side. He smiles down at the drunk marines in front of them. "Yaiho still hungry. Marine look tasty."

The two marines that were trying to block your approach pass a few glances at each other, apparently unaware the 'Eagle Knight' had such a large entourage. They laugh derisively at Rook, but take a step back as they try to unconvincingly scoff at Brock's threats, then ultimately lose any pretence of bravery when Yaiho steps up behind the menacingly grinning Pathfinder. The two marines quickly turn tail and start shuffling out of the alleyway, leaving an opening for Danicka to run past and dive between J. and the other three sailors.

The lead antagonist laughs in Danicka's face, making the air thick with his foul breath. "What's this, a noblewoman defending a peasant? We don't want your- Brain matter?" It takes a few moments to register the accidental threat, but when it does, he turns around to see two of his friends scarpering and a huge, tusky half-orc approaching behind an intimidating looking soldier. "Bah! Fine, hide behind your bodyguards Eagle Coward." The lead drunk yells, apparently unaware that five athletic men surrounding a single skinny eighteen-year-old is hardly the epitome of bravery. "Come on boys, we've got better things to do anyway." They all start shuffling drunkenly from the alley, but just as J. is about to relax, one of the marines makes a fake lunge at her. "Boo!" J. lets out another yelp and jumps back, falling flat on her butt. The drunk bellows with laughter as he continues on his way out of the alleyway with his friends.

The danger has passed, but J. is very shaken from the experience, and it will obviously take a few moments for her to collect herself as she sits in a dirty puddle, clutching her knees, almost hyperventilating. More disturbing, however, is that the air seems to fizzle around the young noblewoman. Dirt, small pebbles, and refuse hover just off the ground in concentric circles centring on J., and you all catch fleeting glimpses of the blue-tinged, ephemeral outline of a boy with hollow eyes chasing after the marines.

Brock stares long and hard that's what she said at the drunken marines as they eventually come to their good sense, trying to memorize each one's face as best he can.

"Run away dogs, if we meet again it'll be pay off time.".

Grumpy that he didn't get to kill, or at least maim, anyone and irritated that their pressing mission forbade him following the drunkards and showing them who the real cowards were by feeding them their teeth, yet mollified by planning on trolling the Docks bars later and seeing if he couldn't settle them later, possibly with Yaiho, Rook and Forest in tow. (Woe betide any poor sailors who simply look like that lot)

Oh Besmara, let me meet that lot again

Mastering his dissappointment, he manages to catch the odd occurrence around J and raises an eyebrow, but after dealing with fae so often of late, simply shrugs it off.

Catching the shaken J's eye he winks, "Its ok, remember my comment about needing hard men? We're on your side."

Growling down the alleyway he finally sighs, "Bah, those drunks probably wouldn't have been worth the powder. Probably wouldn't even had to break a sweat. Though I'm sure Prickles and Yaiho might have appreciated a snack."

Yaiho looks quizzically at the strange things around J but doesn't know what to make of it. He approaches J and reaches down to help her back to her feet. "No fear. Marines cowards and J has us with her."

"Between you and me, Danicka is our most heroic, though she hasn't hit her stride yet. Arin and Forest are genuinely good as well. Yaiho tries, but don't get him mad. Me and Rook? Well, not so much. Pathfinders need and want all sides, but those Chronicles gloss over the real bits, the dirty bits, the bad bits, because those don't make a good story."

Awesome. Love it. Great writing.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26

Better late than never!

Forrest steps up behind Brock and Yaiho, hand edging near his rapier. Standing in the Orc's shadow, he still manages to get his point across. "Picking on a single noblewoman? Very brave! Your mothers would be very proud." He laughs and does a little jig. "Maybe next time you can go take a chocolate dunked strawberry from a toddler! That'll make your daddies proud!"

His eyebrows furrow and he takes a step out of Yaiho's shadow. "Or perhaps the five of you big strong men would like to take on five fellow warriors? He smiles, surprisingly fearsome for a halfling.

---

After the marines leave, Forrest walks up and offers a hand to help J up. Please don't be sweaty, don't be sweaty, don't be sweaty... He smiles, glad that there wasn't need for bloodshed. "It's alright, Jay. Just a couple day-drinking sailors." Seeing the hovering rocks and the specter, he pulls his hand back an inch. "Uhh... It's gonna be alright." He smiles, though he is a little off put. At least Arin doesn't have any ghost friends... Wait. That I've seen...

Arin watches as thugs surround J. Having gotten used to this group he is not in the slightest bit worried for her safety.

Hmm, this should be interesting. Let's see how dumb these drunks are.

In truth he's somewhat relieved as Danicka is when they prove at least smart enough to walk away.

After everyone gets walking again he drops back to offer J a little bit of comfort after the traumatizing event.

"I see you have someone or something watching out for you there too. In kind with your offer to me, you can always come to talk about it with me." He smiles warmly at her. He knows what it's like when others press, so he leaves it at that.

He then turns to the rest of his party to commend them on their handling of the situation. "Good job avoiding unnecessary violence. That must have been particularly hard for you Brock. I've got a strong feeling that we'll yet meet some danger that you and Yaiho can release your pent-up rage on."

As the marines are starting to leave...

"Ha! Hiding behind your pet slip are you? Cowardly, even for an Andoran peasant!" The last of the drunks laughs at J. as he turns and spits at the floor in front of Forrest. "And you don't get to talk about my mother or I'll-" But as soon as the halfling steps out of Yaiho's shadow and smiles, the marine double-times it out of the alley with his comrades.

The aftermath...

J. starts to calm down as the friendly faces surround her in a protective bubble, the ground around her returning to normal. She smiles bashfully at Brock, nodding her head, then takes the proffered hands of Forrest and Yaiho as she gets back to her feet. "Thank you." She starts brushing herself down, blushing from embarrassment, "I didn't handle that terribly well, did I?" She looks down at Arin, looking a little unsure, but between his warm smile and the recent events, J. decides to speak up. "I guess I should tell you, considering who you are and where we're going. I've been keeping him a secret for far too long in any case." She takes a deep breath and steps back. "Grishan, can you come out, please. I think it's time for these people to meet you."

Grishan steps out of J.'s body, revealing himself to be a green-tinted apparition that resembles an emaciated 14-year-old boy with sunken cheeks and hollow eyes. He's wearing a school uniform consisting of a blouse covered by a vest and 'stands' right in front of J., but his legs end just below the knees, trailing off into nothingness and he floats above the ground at the same height he stood in life. "Hello." He says in a calm voice that sounds as if it's travelling from some distance away. He waves and tries to give smile you all a friendly smile, but the effect is quite disturbing with his hollow eyes. "I should probably explain a few things."

He introduces himself as Grishan and goes on to tell you his story, about how he found an entrance to the necropolis in the school and that when he showed his friends, it became a sort of secret clubhouse. "Then the earthquake hit, and we were trapped... We called for help for days, but nobody came. After a few days, Junia and I were the only ones left. She seemed so confused and scared because she didn't get hungry or thirsty like the rest of us, and I felt so guilty for leading my friends down there to die one by one..." J. interjects. "I just couldn't understand it! I never even thought the ring I found could have been magical." Grishan nods. "Yes, and so I decided that while J. was alive, I would never leave her side, even after my death!" He then goes on to detail how a shadowy monster had drifted into the necropolis and tried to feed off of his lonely friend's suffering. Grishan heard J.'s cries from the Etherial plane and fought his way back to protect his friend, shielding her mind from the merciless attacks of the creature. By the time it was over, J. had fallen into a catatonic state between life and death, and while the ruby salamander ring kept her body alive, Grishan kept her soul alive. "I guarded J.'s body and soul like that for the next 10 years, doing my best to ward off the other undead creatures that started making their home in the necropolis. Then, thankfully, the Pathfinders came and got us out of there." He looks back to J. and smiles. "We've been coexisting ever since."

He continues, "I have to admit that I was the one who's been pushing J. to sneak out of her home to visit the Precipice Quarter. Through our personal link, I simply know that there is something in the Drownyard that J. needs to see or experience to understand both herself and her powers. I also admit that I have my own reasons for wanting to go to the Precipice Quarter... You see my brother asked me to spy on my friends and their families to gather intelligence for the Eagle Knights. I hid a collected packet of intelligence that I gathered in a place called the Arboretum Arcanis, but I never got the chance to place it in the secret dead drop." The spirit lowers his head a bit. "Please, can you also take us to the Arboretum and allow me to accomplish, my short life's greatest unfulfilled mission."

"It's for me too!" J. adds. "In many ways Grishan and I are the same person now. When he's happy, I'm happy, and when he gets annoyed at something, I'm barely able to keep her frustrations in check."

There's an image of Grishan and J. in the slides.

Ghosts... Figures. Forrest swallows. "Welcome to the crew, Grishan." He looks at J and laughs a little. "I think you might have a future in the Pathfinder society after all." The fiery halfling turns once again to the green apparition. "So, since you're the one initiating this mission, tell us what you know about the shadow monster and the other undead we're about to run into."

After they explain, he nods. "And as for the intelligence drop, I'm always happy to help the Eagle Knights. They might be a little dastardly in their tactics, but any chain breaker is a friend of mine." He hits his chest, enjoying the feeling of his hand on the old tattoo.

Yaiho listens and nods. "Grishan brave. Yaiho understand wanting to protect friend. If shadow monster still there, Yaiho crush for good. Yaiho help get package for you."

Brock snorts at the phantom, "I guess a normal, mundane, nest of ogres or troglodytes would have been too much to ask." shrugging and getting his musket, "Whatever, I'm getting paid the same, let's get this monster killed and your mystery solved."

Does that intimidation count for our The Exchange faction goal? Or was combat never really a threat?

Yaiho suddenly remembers something, "Did not the Venture-Captain say a specter would be defeated but would always come back later on. Yaiho wonders if shadow monster is specter that comes back."

Knowledge (Arcane): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24

"The world is a volatile place. To think we would end up the escort for a spiritualist. If you tap into that power you won't be needed much help in the future. Willing magic to bend to your will is a highly sought after ability." Rook speaks out loud while figuring out just what J is.

He then ponders their mission.

"Good, I planned on detouring to the Arboretum myself to look for reagents. It is good business when our plans align but Forrest is right, Grishan, we need to know about what we are walking into."

Danicka lets out a sigh of relief when the men wander off. She smiles at Brock and Rook."Thanks for not killing them."

With a look to Yaiho she adds, "Or eating them."

As the man spooks J., Danicka lets out a gasp. "That was NOT very nice! You're... VERY MEAN!"

After that firm scolding, she bends down to help J. back up.

At the sight of a phantom manifesting from J., Danicka pales, and lets out a shrill scream of terror.

"Eeeeek!"

Realizing it's not a threat she blushes deeply, and stammers out a terrified apology.

"I... uh... oh, dear... I... a-a-apologize... N-n-nice to m-m-meet you...Grisham..?" Unfortunately, she's so nervous that her voice comes out a squeak.

Feeling quite light-headed she puts a hand on Brock's shoulder for balance and fans herself.

Don't faint... Don't faint...

Knowledge Arcana: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18

It's alright.... It's perfectly normal for a spiritualist... You've read about this before... Nothing you can't handle... Oh, dear... DON'T FAINT.

Arin watches in fascination and the group interacts with the ghostly boy. After they get their basic curiosities out of the way he calmly puts a question to Grisham, almost certainly in jest.

"Say, you wouldn't be in the business of imparting divine blessings and curses on random gnomes, would you? I'm asking for a close friend."

@Brock: Oh yeah that counts alright! There was a very real threat of combat that might not have been too great for young J. It's a good job y'all are so scary. ;)

By the time Grishan has finished his long speech, J. looks to have returned to her old self. "You're all so awesome! I've been too scared to tell anyone about us for so long, and you all accept us right away." She smiles warmly at everyone, looking like a weight has been lifted from her shoulders. "People usually just call me a freak when I have an episode like that... Thank you!" She shrugs off Rook's comments about her power, saying that Grishan is the one who throws stuff, but she is very eager to hear anything else he has to say about spiritualists, having never heard the term before. "Soo... You've seen this sort of thing before?"

Once he has had enough time to great everyone properly, Grishan goes on to describe as best he can about the creature of the necropolis. However, apart from the ghouls, no one knows enough about undead to identify exactly what he is talking about when it comes to the shadowy spectre. "All I can say was that it seemed insane, and when it attacked J., it didn't really hurt her, but it did mess with her mind." J. suppresses a shiver, "We don't need to talk about that horrible day anymore do we? I doubt we'll meet that thing again anyway. Dreng said he cleared the place of undead and I'm certainly not looking to find it again if they didn't." She readjusts her backpack and straightens out her outfit. "Anyway, I think the Arboretum is on the way to the school, so maybe we should go there first?" Just before you continue your journey, Arin asks his question. "Random gnomes?" Grishan asks thoughtfully in his distant voice, "Now, that's a secret I'll never tell." He says jokingly as he takes a step back and disappears into J.'s body.

The rest of the trip to the Precipice Quarter is short and uneventful, J.'s excited questions about your adventures have given way to excited questions about spiritualists, and soon you see the crystal dome of the Arboretum on the horizon. The protective housing is cracked and broken, and dark clouds fill the upper reaches, crackling with silent purple lightning. Buildings can be seen inside, individual greenhouses segregating sections with wider open spaces between.

With the Arboretum is sight, Grishan has a sudden flash of memory and steps back out of J.'s body. "I'm sure that the packet is inside. I remember now that I placed it in a red lion statue that was part of a fountain." He frowns sightly, "I don't remember the location of the fountain though."

Do y'all want to go into the Arboretum first, or go to the Drownyard as originally planned?

Know Local: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

"Huh, didn't know this city had an ... arborareum, looks like plants and stuff, let's make this quick. I prefer dark alleys and seedy docksides."

Brock growls as he looks over the landscape.

"Red dragon fountain, check."

this place is going to have more blasted fae, that's just our luck

"Yes, let's head to the arboretum first. They've waited ten years for this intelligence, that's long enough. " Forrest looks quite determined, despite the purple lightning. He smiles and moves forward. "Don't worry. We've got good eyes. The fountain will be found! "

Knowledge History: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27
Knowledge Arcana: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15

After looking at the Arboretum, Danicka smiles in excitement. "Oh! I know this! The clouds are magical effects placed by the wizard Beldrin when he built the Arbetorum! He made them to water the plants in the open gardens. But, the sundering of the dome by the earthquake warped the magic, and the clouds now disperse acidic rain intermittently."

Suddenly she pales, then frowns. From under her umbrella, she remarks, "I doubt my umbrella will hold up against that..."

To the others she adds, "We'll have to be careful. You especially, J. You don't want an acid shower."

Danicka continues on with the others, and approaches the locked front gate. When we get there she looks around the school grounds with curiosity.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 7 + 2 = 20