PFS Scenario, The Refuge of time (Inactive)

Game Master lantzkev

"Calling Ursus an Ulfen would, in fact, be more akin to calling me a Traveler Gnome. More to the point, do you know which of the lands of the Linnorm kings Master Ursus hails from? Do you know his trade and views? Whether your answer your is yeah or nay, there is a certain wisdom in choosing wisely the titles you lay upon peaple."

"But pardon, I ramble. Shall we away?"

He take a moment to look at his companions, eyeing Ursus again.

Say, don't I know you? You look familiar. Are you been to Oppara by chance? I swear I've seen you around K(local) 26

It's already been mentioned the whole point of this is for you to prevent the cultists from locating and reviving a runelord... also you know that most Deva Angels will name their weapons and cherish them

Ursus glances at the gnome with mild curiosity.

"I'm not one to throw around titles but it's Huscarl Ursus. I was with the Longaxes before I joined the Society. In the last couple years I must have impressed the right people because last summer they begged me to come back."

"Ever since, I end up in Oppara more often than not. Its got one of my favorite brothels and Lady Glorianna can't get enough of me", he finishes with a grin.

"I don't know exactly where he is from. But I know that he is a sailor by trade and takes very little seriously. Don't mistake my bluntness for lack respect for your competency. While I don't like any of the people I work with, they are high ranking pathfinders for a reason."

"Well, Huscarl Ursus, I know the Longaxes put only limited stock in book learning, but if you're ever in Oppara for any length of time do feel free to stop by and take one of my courses."

"Or, perhaps some of my students could practice with you. I know a few of my students would swoon at your, shall we say, savage beauty. We do love reading through some of the Ulfen epics in the Old Skald in my classes.

The impossibly large blocks of the shrine’s walls are in such good
condition that they seem to have been laid only decades ago.
Carved into the stone, spiky script is clearly visible throughout
the room. Stone double doors stand in the east and west walls.
Each is decorated with a seven-pointed star, and each blade of
a star displays a spiky rune. One rune per star glows with an
amber light that illuminates the room. Also in the western wall,
a short square tunnel leads back outside, with a score of muddy
footprints showing the way. A passageway to the south leads
to another lit room. The air inside the shrine is cool and fresh.

Three dirt-covered, bald Shoanti sit quietly against the northern wall along with a fopish Taldoran fellow and a thin dwarven woman.

Daxter puts on a smile as he moves past Ursus and Gina to help the dwarven woman up.

Davo looks about and raises an eyebrow.

Greetings he says in Thassilonian.

What have we here? Hail fellow seekers of runes and and the seven fold way... or at least I take you to be seekers of Lissala's wisdom. My pardon if you are not. Are you in fact guardians of these passages?

Bluff? 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (11) + 14 = 25

Is all of that in Thassilonian or just the first part?

Just the first word. Also, I understand dwarven

The three Shaonti look curiously at Davoliznakamushka, and at the party entering. A mix of apprehension, curiosity, and relief that you're not something worse. One speaks in common I do not know what you guys want, but please don't hurt us

The dwarven woman is entranced by the stones but comments to Daxter "Yes? Do you have any idea how much these stones could be worth? I think I may finance an expedition to come here and quarry these"

Yes, I am aware. You understand more languages than I do. But no one else speaks it except for Battlesworth.

Just made it home from work. Not used to Pbp combats ending the same day. That was interesting . I expected the angel to be able to break grapple and fly or teleport. Still reading thru the 100 posts today. Will post more in a bit.

"If anyone needs healing out of combat, let me know. Otherwise just following along to see where this leads. "

I think these may be the people that the rumors say the Lisalans abducted before riding off.

Hurt you? Of course not, fellow. We are scholars, not savages.

Looks at Ursus, decides against additional comment.

Now, tell us how you came to be here and perhaps we can help?

Diplomacy 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (11) + 18 = 29

Ursus roared with laughter at the gnome’s suggestions.

”I appreciate it Davo but I don’t think I’ll be visiting you for a lesson anytime soon. The few I had to go through to earn my Wayfinder were bad enough”, the big ulfen says while wiping a tear from his eye.

”You’re welcome to send any students my way if you think they’re strong and sharp enough. I don’t mind showing some pups how to handle themselves in a scrap. Gorum knows those Taldan fops know about as much about how to fight as they do about how to please a woman. Send the pretty ones my way too. I’ll give ‘em plenty to swoon over.”

”Ulfen epics? I know most of the good ones. I’d be happy to give you a couple performances. Even Dax seemed to like it last time I sang ‘em – and he hates everything.”

***

Any of them look like a certain aspiring bearded aristocrat?

Perhaps the Taldoran? ;)

"Yes, like I was telling Miss Battlesworth here. We are not going to hurt you. In fact we are going to rescue you."

I auto aid at diplomacy

Ursus
"I don't hate everything. Just most things. Granted I didn't hate your songs, much."

“Marquis” Jeor Haywood is a foppish Taldan gentleman
bedecked in a deep blue waistcoat with gold trim and
what were once matching trousers. Dried mud now
covers the entirety of his calf-high riding boots and most
of his breeches. His moustache and goatee, however, are
meticulously groomed. He insists on being called Marquis
Haywood and continually attempts to pick dried mud off
his clothing.

Wattlee is a relatively thin dwarf woman, indicating
that she spends more time behind a desk than in front
of a forge. She is intrigued by the enormity of the
stone blocks that make up the walls and is currently
formulating a plan to finance an expedition here to
quarry the stone. Wattlee likes to purse her lips as she
rubs the gold rings braided into her long, black hair.

Jeor states plainly and irritably This fat man came up to me and wanted help with this expedition, as to why I agreed is beyond me, but he's further off in that room" he jerks a thumb towards the west wall "He said something about only the faithful were allowed, and immediatly snubbed me! Now I'm stuck with these filthy commoners, and what more they lack the backbone to leave this midden heap! Giants and orcs they fear!" The three Shaonti sitting at the north wall glare at him and it's clear that he has not engendered any good will with most of the people here

Ursus approaches the 'Marquis'.

"And what are you doing to help them, Marquis", Ursus asked.

Did you know what you were supposed to be digging for?

Gina begins to cast prestidigitation multiple times to remove their accumulated dirt off of their clothing.

Hugo lets the others do the talking. He looks the group over for any strange marks or tatoos.

perception: 1d20 + 23 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 23 + 2 = 33

Merisiel moves up with the rest of the group, keeping her weapons equipped after such a rash battle.

Hugo peers over them and notice that the Shaonti are all marked with customary Tatoos. They all appear to be grateful to Gina for cleaning their clothing anyone interacting with Jeor get a +2 to their rolls for diplomacy etc The three shaonti as grateful as they are look towards themselves and distrust you guys.

Davo looks askance at Jeor. Excuse me? Why are you talking to us, my concern was towards these three fine warriors. My question was not for some fool prancing about with such a ridiculous beard.

Davo steps back spitting on the mans feet. Who is it you think you are, to interrupt me? Some sort of self styled Marquis? I assure you, when the Emperor wants someone to guards his borders he doesn't choose sniveling, weak willed cowards. He chooses those of good blood or great service. You sir, have the stink of usurper clinging to you.

He motions to Ursus I'd be curious, Ursus. What do the Longaxes think of usurpers?

Auto-aid intimidate for Ursus

btw Hugo would have cast extended magic circle vs evil on himself the same and duration as the heroism... Or he can do it now if more appropriate .

Jeor speaks up The entrance to this place of all things! And after making us dig for a few hours, the fat one simply cast a spell and removed piles and piles of it with several castings! I can't believe how I've been press ganged into this kind of menial labor! I wish I could remember what that silver tongued viper ever said to make me agree to such common labor! He clearly ignores Ursus's comment

Gina decides to approach the Shaonti.

"Hey. How are you guys feeling? Something I can do for you?"

"Daxter, has he been ensorceled or just made a puppet?.Sounds like a man we need to visit."

To Jeor...

"What other manner of spells did this man cast or types of creatures did he summon to dig or serve?."

Hugo is willing to channel and get the party and and of these folks if any are injured.

The shaonti all look a bit hungry one pipes up The fat one left us here almost an hr ago, and he hasn't fed us a single bite over the past two days! Anything you can spare to feed us would be appreciated! As if to punctuate this remark, all fives bellies grumble loudly as if on cue

Well, all I have on me right now are some trail rations, but if you guys are still around when we get back, we can have Ursus hunt us either some deer, buffalo, elephant, lion, or maybe a roc or something similar when we get back and we can eat it.

Gina hands the shaonti some of her trail rations and gives them some of her stored wine. Then offers some to the other two.

Want some?

Davo looks around at the script on the walls and the runes on the doors.

"So,which door did this fellow go through"

He looks at the runes and script from a respectful distance, trying to make sense of the writings on the wall

They eagerly divide up the trail rations given to them

Hugo digs through his haversack for rations and offers them what little he has.

"if you have a bucket or bowl I can create some clean water for you as well."

He motions to Ursus I'd be curious, Ursus. What do the Longaxes think of usurpers?

Auto-aid intimidate for Ursus

"We don't take kindly to usurpers, especially ones without the strength to back up their claims."

Ursus gets very close to the marquis making the immense size difference clear.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 18 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 18 + 2 = 36

"Tell me Jeor, do you know who has the authority to grant the title you've claimed but do not deserve?"

Jeor stops stuffing his face for a moment and looks horrified "can we talk in private please?" His eyes have taken a fearful doe like look to them

Still staring at the walls... combing his brain.

"Yes, their predicament sounds like the type of magic I usually prepare."

The shaonti tell you that after the fat man and his companions went into the west door, there was some sort of scuffle, a conversation in some creepy language (Thassalonian for those that know), and then they were told to wait here, and they knew nothing of an angel guarding the entrance

"I think this is private enough. Answer the question Marquis."

"It's no harm, right, I mean it's going to happen so what's the big deal with jumping the gun a little..." a nervous chuckle escapes his lips "Right?...." his eyes dart nervously around his hand pawing over his shortly grown beard

Guns, eh? New fangled boy...

Gina casts message on her brother.

Whispered Big Brother. Do you know what they are talking about?

"Big deal?! You are a useless coward. You dishonor the title you claimed just as you dishonor that beard you wear. Lucky for you, I'm here to make things right."

Ursus grabs Joir by the collar, throws him to the ground, climbs atop him, and draws his dagger.

"In my eyes you're about as suited for leading men as the hair on my ass, but If you are ever worthy of the title Marquis, it will be granted by the authority of Taldor."

The ulfen grabs Jeor by the throat and roughly chops off his beard.

"Do you understand?"

"Please don't do this! Leave me the beard at least! He sobs in a rather unmanly way as he's shorn like a saddled sheep at a rodeo.

"No idea. Nothing we need to worry about I'm sure."

Ursus dropped the wisps of hair onto Jeor's chest and stood up.

"Do not forget the words we just shared or next time I'll take a lot more than your beard."