PFS PbP Faithless & Forgotten (Inactive)

Game Master James Martin

The grounds of the Absalom home of the Pathfinder Society are sunny and bright today, as one of the first days of true spring dawns. You find yourself sitting on a bench outside a marble building, waiting for your call to join an expedition.

Dotting for fun and profit.

Ghost dots

A halfling sits on one of the smaller benches that is set out for the smaller members of the society. He is munching on a apple. A backpack and walking stick lean on the bench. The halfling is clad in a green outfit, he is just a bit on the portly side and asks the others "So what will it be this time? I just came back from Tamran, I hope we go to a place where people like the Society a bit more"

A gnome runs up, rather out of breath. Her (his?) hair is an indigo blue; his (her?) frame is slender and wiry, a touch tall for a gnome. The gnome is wearing no armor but is dressed in a simple blue trouser and jacket that are vaguely-but-not-really Tien style. A string of wooden prayer beads dangles from one hand, with a wooden symbol of Irori hanging at the end.

"Am I late?" the gnome asks, eyes wide with dread. On being told not, the gnome sags with relief and drops onto a bench as well.

"I ran all the way from the Temple District. Sorry. Sorry. My name's Pinzell but most folk call me Pinball. I was really worried I was going to be late. ...sorry."

(Pinball is indifferent as to which gender pronoun is used when referring to Pinball, so just run with whatever works for you!)

Someone who can almost only be described as a walking suit of armor looks around before silently nodding as to aknowledge that he is aware of everyone's presence.

There is a sudden single peal, as if of a trumpet, then a booming voice echoes through the campus. "ALL PATHFINDERS PLEASE ASSEMBLE OUTSIDE SKYREACH. THANK YOU."

Looking at each other, you head with the sudden crowds toward Skyreach, where an outdoor stage has been assembled. On it are Marcus Farabellus and a tall, heavy-set regal looking woman dressed in a Chelish style.

A tall, heavy-set woman wearing a black-lacquered breastplate and a sweeping ruby cloak rests a hand on the gold pommel of the longsword at her hip as she readies to address the Pathfinders assembled at the Grand Lodge. She nods once to Marcos Farabellus before beginning. “I am Ianareth Alazario, and I come to you with words spoken by Her Infernal Majestrix, Queen Abrogail II of the Thrice-Damned House of Thrune. Pathfinders, your exile is at an end. Cheliax welcomes you once again.”

Master of Swords Marcos Farabellus vigorously leads a round of applause that echoes off the sturdy walls following the new declaration. Ianareth’s smile is as wide as her host’s, though it falters slightly when her gaze falls on her disgraced predecessor Zarta Dralneen. Ianareth continues, “With your help, I would mend the rifts between us and forge an enduring friendship. I have entrusted your Master of Swords with several promising leads found within our borders. To that I add only this: Pathfinders, the glory of Cheliax is placed in your care.” Ianareth bows deeply to Marcos and then to the crowd before taking her leave.

Marcos Farabellus steps behind the lectern and announces, “I’ve gathered a handful of teams to lead these initial expeditions, and I’ve posted those outside with times to meet me in my office for more details. There’s rewarding work ahead, so don’t be late!” With that, the field begins to empty. Walking briskly with infinite poise and a clenched jaw, Zarta Dralneen is the first to disappear into the crowds.

You head to where several Pathfinders are checking the notices and are not surprised to see your names and a time to meet with Marcus Farabellus. In fact, it looks like you're up first, as your time is only moments from now!

You race over to Farabellus' office, where a clerk waits outside, checking your names. "It won't be but a moment, Pathfinders. The Master of Swords is making ready. Please, sit and enjoy a beverage." A plate of cookies and lemonade wait for you on a low table.

Go ahead and introduce yourselves!

Pinball is one of the few who's not really... clapping, during the eager pro-Cheliax thing. The gnome's face scrunches up as if she'd bitten something very sour. Gingerly, Pinball looks at the listing, and then at the others.

"....well. I'm Pinzell. So we're together." He winds the prayer bead of Irori around his hand a few times, nervously. "I can't say I'm very enthused about.... Cheliax. No... offense meant, if you're from there. I, I, I serve the-- the Master of Masters. Working towards being a... a better person. I'm-- trying. Quite hard."

I wonder what the bellflower network is thinking right now...

"Hi Pinzell, I am Garret Greenbottle. We all should work towards being the best we can be, but remember to enjoy life and your friends while doing that. As for Cheliax, I am sure the Decemvirate and Venture Officers know best what is good for the Society"

Theleb sizes up his companions during the briefing, not taking long to realize they are more experience than he is. Although he has faced difficult challenges before, this one may be the toughest yet.

As he comes out from the shadows of a corner for introductions, a small scorpion can be crawling through the gaps of a humanoid skull hanging from his belt. Two (2) javelins keep company with a great axe upon his back while the tinny sound of chainmail makes it clear that he is no stranger to combat.

"Theleb ... Shaman of Pharasma. It is my honor to accompany you all."

A muscular kellid with a black scythe takes a glass of limonade and drink it. The sour taste is something he is not familiar with, but he finish the glass anyways.

"Hi all of you too, I am Blanmieux. I'm a librarian. As for my little background, I was birthed in Freedom Town but raised by an orc tribe because of one bad trip.

It was like something inside me have change my entire self.. And now, I just don't believe in anything."

Realising what how heavy he was in a first talk, Blanmieux excuses himself.

Anyways, do you have understand what this Iomedae follower said to us? It seem pretty important.

The walking suit of armor takes of his helmet to reveal a man with silver hair and steel grey eyes ..he doesn't quite seem human (Aasimar)

He then nods at you in turn as he introduces himself as he eyes the plate of cookies before saying

"I am Armaginer Manius Pindaloric and I am more than happy to have the glory of Cheliax in my care"

He then frowns as he thinks of something else

".....I am how ever not to sure about having in the care the rest of you as well yet..."

After a few moments there is a rustle from inside. The clerk opens the door, steps in and back out, smiling. "They are ready for you. Please go in."

As you enter, Zarta Dralneen stands across the Master of Swords’ desk, her back turned to you. She momentarily acknowledges the newcomers before continuing to lecture Farabellus. “Beware the good intentions of a Chelish diplomat. Who controls whom behind closed doors in Cheliax, and who are we serving by heeding the call of Abrogail’s infernal masters?”

Marcos strokes his beard for a moment, buying time to phrase his reply. “Caution is warranted, but you shouldn’t let past follies color your opinion of this opportunity, Zarta. This is our chance to freely operate within Cheliax again. The doors of Delvehaven may still be closed, but we can start to mend soured relations.” Marcos turns to the recently arrived agents. “I expect everyone who takes an assignment to conduct themselves as diplomats as well as explorers. We don’t need a public debacle to ruin our welcome, again.”

Zarta straightens her back and glares imperiously down at her counterpart. "Folly? One day you will look between the sheets and see you’ve climbed into bed with a snake, Marcos. I sincerely hope none of your agents find themselves in desperate need of a retrieval team; I remind you that devils work quickly to strip hope from one’s senses.” She turns and strides out of the room.

The Master of Swords massages his forehead with one hand and motions to chairs with the other. “Lady Dralneen assumes that we take Cheliax entirely at its word. Ianareth Alazario provided me an incomplete history of a small keep in the Eismonts called Emberhold, once property of House Davian. The reason we don’t hear much of the Davians anymore is that they led the resistance against House Thrune during the Chelish civil war, and her infernal majestrix is not known for showing mercy. I’m sending you to explore the site, learn what you can about what happened there, and bring back any information about the Davians."

He leans forward and lowers his voice before adding, “You’ll be traveling through Corentyn, and I’d like you to pay a visit to the Museum of History there first. The curator, Zefiro Balinger, is an acquaintance of the Society and may have details not available in the official records. Get Balinger’s help, then visit Emberhold.” Marcos presents a small folded map. “You’ll leave Absalom aboard the Sea Sylph in two days—Society’s picking up the tab. It’s been years since we’ve had first-hand reports coming out of Cheliax, so be ready for anything.”

"Wait a minute, do we know more about this Ianareth? Or the curator?"says Blanmieux.

-Posted with Wayfinder

"She's the appointed representative from Cheliax. With current relations being what they are, the Society is not inclined to look a gift horse in the mouth. Is she a snake, as Zarta claims? Yes, assuredly, but sometimes you've got to dance with them what brung you." Farabellos rubs the bridge of his nose between thumb and forefinger. "As for Balinger, he's one of the few allies we have in Cheliax. I don't know him personally, but he's been vouched for by trusted agents."

"Will we be on our own to investigate the site or will we be accompanied by Chelish officials?"

"Ally eh? Well now, let's hope he's still there when we arrive ... just saying ... it's happened before."

Farabellos shakes his head. "I do not know, but you'd be foolish to ever believe you won't be watched constantly."

"Yes, I remember just having to deliver a package up north to this historican...we ended up somewhere in the lands of the Linnorm Kings."

Sorry, had family arrive yesterday and the day got busy. Some snuck-in intro stuff:

Pinzell listens to Garret, Theleb, Blanmieux, and Manius with an intense, earnest expression. "Good to meet you, um, times four, good to meet you... you can call me Pinball, lots of people do..."

Garret is sized up, given a small nod. The big half-orc gets another measured nod-- not the first brutal-looking Pathfinder Pinball's been partnered with-- and then the ... librarian... and the... Chelish patriot...

Pinball focuses on the "librarian" with a fascinated stare. "...I can't see I meet many ex-Rovagugnites," she says carefully. "Recognizing that you've laid that faith behind.... why would you want to worship the end of everything? Including yourself? It seems counter-productive..."

***

After the briefing:

Pinball looks no-less glum about the idea of going into Cheliax, but he pastes a bright smile on. "I can be diplomatic," he assures. "Very, very. I'm-- people like me. Sometimes. Anyway, I won't offend anyone. I can talk to people. Can we get a description of Balinger? It's awkward if we end up talking to someone who merely claims to be him."

Farabellos nods, distractedly. "I'll see what I can do. In the mean-time, two days. Then you're off on the Sea-Sylph. Get your affairs in order, Pathfinders. Now, have the clerk send the next batch in."

With that, you're dismissed!

If you wish, you may make a Diplomacy or Knowledge Local check to know more about Zarta Dralneen's history with Cheliax or a Knowledge History or Nobility to know more about House Davian or lastly, a Knowledge Local or Geography check to know about local Chelish laws and what you might run afoul of.

Next, I have set up a Google Slide for this game where I will post Maps, handouts, etc. Please check in there and place your icon and init modifiers on the form. Thanks!

On the morning of the second day, you awaken to a knock from the same clerk who ushered you in. He tells you that Farabellos bid him to deliver this message. On a ripped parchment (handout 1) you find a note that reads "Agents, I recently learned that Zarta intends to send one of her own agents to Corentyn with a mission she’s elected to keep secret. I don’t think we should interfere, but I never like seeing agents go out alone. If you can, make sure Cassian is on the boat with you when you return to Absalom. –Marcos"

At midday you meet at the docks, where the Sea-Sylph lies, taking on supplies. Any last minute purchases or acts before the voyage is bon?

Knowledge (Local): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Manius tries to remember something and comes up blanc

"Let's get this show on the road ..."

Taking 10 on the Diplomacy for a total of Diplomacy 21 on Zarta.

Pin sidles around in the morning, chatting with other agents at the Grand Lodge and learning a little bit more about Zarta Dralneen...

No purchases here

Blanmieux looks at pinball, irrited. "Unless you are saying that are only ideal or concept taking form and not actuals entities, you are wrong. Rovagugnites worship Rovagug. The most honest and present god in Golarion. He doesn't care about you. He only wishes to be free and destroy everything. He is a so simple god. Just telling his name is an act of rebellion against his wardens. Those better tomorrows that those hypocrites’ gods tell if you follow them, will not happen because he is there!

Rovagugnites don't want to win, they want you to lose."

After this, Blanmieux is just gonna talk to Zarta about cheliax. aid another with bonus faction diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

And than he remembers that he is in the grand lodge. He can use it to search for information! He could even know what is in fact this hellknight something he is part of.

in the grand lodge history house Devian: 1d20 ⇒ 14

in the grand lodge Geography Cheliax: 1d20 ⇒ 19

I would like to wait for information before buying something.And since we are at the grand lodge, we can roll untrained. Also, Manus, there an other roll you can do. This is for cheliax.

-Posted with Wayfinder

Garret seems to blank out while Blanmieux is droning on about his god. He has no purchases to make. He spends his time in the kitchens of the grand lodge while making some stews that will keep for the journey. While his hands are working his mind is free to think on the mission.

Knowledge Local Zarta: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Knowledge History Davian: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

Knowledge Local Cheliax: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

Regarding Zarta Pinball remembers the following: Until approximately three years ago, Paracountess Zarta Dralneen served as the Chelish liaison to the Pathfinder Society—the role that Ianareth Alazario now fills. Zarta’s tenure ended abruptly after she disappeared under mysterious circumstances. Society agents tracked her down and rescued her, after which she severed her ties to Cheliax and founded the Dark Archive. Delvehaven, a prestigious Pathfinder Lodge in Westcrown, has been sealed since 4676 AR, when a terrible tragedy in its halls threatened the stability of the city. Certain Chelish officials “disappeared” Zarta based on fictitious evidence submitted by one of Zarta’s political rivals. Despite the Pathfinder Society’s providing evidence to disprove these false accusations and exonerate her, Cheliax has provided neither any acknowledgement of or apology for imprisoning and punishing her for crimes she did not commit.

Blanmieux recalls nothing, but Garret recalls the following regarding House Davian: House Davian, led by Duchess Lannavia Davian, challenged Thrune for control of Cheliax at the Battle of a Hundred Kings, a struggle that devastated Corentyn near the end of the civil war. The house’s holdings included much of the nation’s west coast.

Regarding Cheliax, Blanmieux and Garret are able to recall the following: Cheliax’s state religion reveres Asmodeus. Though other faiths are not forbidden, none may flout the nation’s laws, challenge the mandates of Asmodeus, or defy House Thrune. Those who revere chaotic deities in particular often find themselves under especially close scrutiny. It’s an open secret that several clandestine and very illegal organizations operate throughout Cheliax. This includes the Bellflower Network, a halfling-run group that liberates the halfling slaves so common in the country. Even discussing the organization openly might be considered a criminal act, if done so under the wrong circumstances.

The journey from Absalom to Corentyn is uneventful, with favorable winds and only one stop at the port of Merab. Captain Zaerim of the Sea Sylph states that the short waylay is an excuse to hug the southern shores of the Inner Sea and avoid Chelish naval patrols. You catch your first glimpse of the red Chelish flag days later, and you arrive in Corentyn at dusk a few days after that.

The last fiery golden rays of daylight silhouette the towering monument known as Aroden’s Arch, which reaches out from Corentyn’s southern wall to divide the Arcadian Ocean and the Inner Sea. Corentyn’s numerous fortifications rise behind mighty gray and brown limestone walls. Masts of ships both in port and at sea rise in the hundreds, like a legion pointing their spears toward the heavens.

Captain Zaerim immediately begins moving among the crew, barking orders to get the cargo neatly arranged and ready for inspection. He's got a sheaf of papers, and when he notices you standing about, frowns. "Best get your papers together, lads. The Harbormaster's men will search this ship and if they find any contraband worth more than a gold piece, they'll be lashings for everyone concerned!"

Knowledge Local or Professioner (barrister) check, please!

During the ship voyage, Pinball relates all that she knows of Zarta's tangled past within Cheliax.

At the captain's shouting, Pinball crawls out from her cubbyhole.

"I have no contraband..."

The gnome looks at the others, blue brows furrowed slightly. "Did Marcos Farabellus give anyone else specific papers?"

Knowledge (Local): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
"Such a fine welcome we have here."

Theleb recalls that the list of contraband changes frequently, but might include:
∙ Holy symbols and holy texts dedicated to chaotic gods— visitors are free to worship whomever so long as this doesn’t challenge Thrune’s or Asmodeus’s authority, but a recent court decision has identified such holy symbols as a medium for proselytization.
∙ Scrolls and potions of spells with the chaotic descriptor
∙ Poisons whose combined cost exceeds 150 gp
∙ Drugs whose combined cost exceeds 50 gp
∙ Large weapons — He recalls hearing one of the sailors meantion that an uncharacteristic string of attacks has resulted in a crackdown on citizen weaponry that most assume will end in the next month or two. Until this resolution ends, only light weapons are permitted in the city limits. If you declare large weapons and leave them onboard, you should be okay, but anyone caught smuggling them in would be subject to Chelish law...

"Hmmm ... if I remember correctly, they will probably have an issue with my Great Axe ... and any other large weapon we have with us. I may need to pick up something ... er ... a little lighter so I can leave the axe onboard while in the city." Would a morning star pass muster?

[Sigh] "Oh ... and we should probably make sure that they don't find anything of a chaotic nature amongst us. I don't recall everyone's confession, but that would include anything dedicated to a deity with a chaotic aspect."

Nope, not a light weapon. Light Weapons

"Ok, so I will leave my sling on board. Other than that I should be fine" Garret twirls his stick in his right hand. During the journey you have seen him do his acrobatics and despite his belly he is quite quick on his feet...

Of course he has also told the others what he knows.

[ooc]I wield a hanbo which is a light weapon[/url]

Just checking...would those rules apply to a hellknight as well? I don't have the prestige class yet (I need 1 more lvl for that)

Interesting question. I'd allow you a Diplomacy check to convince the Harbormaster of your credentials.

an aasimar hellknight? Interesting...

As soon as the ship is docked and a gang plank laid down, a halfling and several thuggish looking humans come striding down it. The halfling has an air of 'official' all over him and he immediately nods to the men and murmurs, "Search it. Top to bottom." He turns back and smiles unpleasantly to the Captain. "Captain... Zaerim, is it? Papers, please."

The Captain steps forward and nods, handing the sheaf of papers forward. "It's all in order, mister Tamrin. Cargo and passengers from Absalom. Nothing untoward, I assure you."

Tamrin, the halfling, nods and begins to rifle through the papers, pausing to study one or another at length. Behind him on the docks you can see a mob of people, barely held in check by a few guards, and a couple Hellknights in full armor who seem more interested in the harbor than the mob. Sense motive checks, please!

The halfling finishes looking over the papers and hands them back to Captain Zaerim. He nods and turns to you lot. "List of declared goods, please." If anyone looks puzzled, he sighs deeply as if offended by your lack of protocol. "A written list of every object you're bringing into Cheliax. Please declare all weapons, contraband or personal affect with a total value over 1 gold piece. If we discover anything not declared, it will go very poorly for you."

Sense motive: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (2) + 0 = 2

"I hope you won't separate a member of the Hellknights from his weapons...after all, we carry them in case we need to use them to fight the unspoken horrors from the lower planes"

Marius casually mentions as he shows the inspector his belongings - including the weapons strapped to his back, which are clearly not light (falchion and heavy flail)

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

Halfling
"I will have the list in a moment" Garret says as he starts scribling. A few moments later he hands the halfling a list

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
"Right ... well let's talk about the Ogre in the Room shall we.
I have this here axe, but I will submit it for a peace seal
... or keep it locked up on board if you prefer ..."
Theleb's sheet is up to date ... and will declare everything

The halfling looks hard at Manius and shrugs. "I'm not going against a member of that noble establishment. You may have to talk it over with the others of your order if there's an issue."

The halfling looks over Garret's list and adds it to the documents he removed from the Captain's sheaf of papers. To Theleb he shrugs, "The law is the law. It stays onboard unless you want to discuss it with the Hellknights. I'm sure your friend there can tell you how they deal with lawbreakers."

To the lot of you, in general: "So what brings you lot to Corentyn?"

To Pinball
”Great for you. Like I said, this is the past. The only anger I have now is against myself and I do not believe in the Great Maw anymore.”
Or any other gods. the librarian thinks

...

Learning more about Cheliax, he takes the day to prepare for the journey. In his room, a pair of nice-looking shirt and jean form an Aspis corpse are squeezed inside his backpack. A leather armor and a sap from the siege is also included.
Hearing that contraband exist and there an agent who will be need to extracted, Blanmieux purchases a cap of human guise, pathfinder pouch and abookmark of deceptionat reduced price because he saved a library. link of the objet in the profile
Two silver alchemical light hammers are also bought because Cheliax=devil. A potion of Darkvision and cure light wound is added for surety.
….
In the boat, he offers others can use his pouch but he warned that they could have to take something out.
To the Halfling, Blanmieux says”I am part of a Hellknight Order! And this is my papers who proves it.” and tends his papers signed by the Lady Commander of fort Inevitable Audara Drovust.
Take 10 diplomacy. 13.
Blanmieux is part of the Hellknight order of the Pike in the rank of Armiger. (Boon) Does that change anything? He haves the paper to prove it.

Oh swell, we are traveling with two hellknights

The halfling sniffs and examines the papers. "Very well, never let it be said that Tamrin Credence didn't show proper respect to the Hellknights. But you didn't answer me. What brings you here?"

Diplomacy (Aid): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14
"Well ... can't say much about why Hellknights do much of anything, but for myself ... I am a spirit warden. I hope to be able to provide some service in that regard here if I am permitted ... under the guidance of our two Hellknights here of course."

Pinball, with brows knit, fills out a listing of all of Pinball's gear.

After handing the list to the halfling, Pinball bows. "We are in Cheliax at the invitation of Her Imperial Majesty, Queen Abrogail Thrune II, as expressed through her servant, Ianareth Alazario. We are invited to a site known as Emberhold, for archaelogical research; but our immediate destination is Corentyn's famed Museum of History, where we have an appointment with the Curator, Zefiro Balinger. May I answer any other questions to speed your work, Master Tamrin?"

Will take 10 on the Diplo if permitted. If not here's the roll:

Diplomacy, aid from Theleb: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 11 + 2 = 18

"yeah"aid another: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16

-Posted with Wayfinder

"I'm mostly here to keep the rest out of trouble"

Aid on diplomacy: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16

"Hellknights may carry weapons openly. Her Infernal Majestrix's order is absolute: civilians may not. All your pretty words mean nothing to me or the law, as the Hellknights ought to be able to attest." He looks askance at Manius, in particular, now beginning to doubt his credentials without paperwork.

To Pinball he smiles indulgently. "So you're scholars, are you? Who do you work for?"

BUMP!