[PFS] Season 0 run, mixed with Dragon's Demand

Game Master Irish202

From Taldor? So you can tell us all about ze area we are going to?

Is ze Opera company really as good as zey say? I've been in ze local performances here, and used to travel with the family in ze Wagons, but never at an opera house...

Testudo tilts his head and thinks. Roshi mimics him.

Hmmm... I think I went once as a young boy, accompanying my father, but nothing more recent... unfortunately, the details of the Opera house escape me. I just remember being... overwhelmed with the grandeur of it all.

He then gets a wistful smile on his face.

And the Diva that night... her note's shook my very soul. I was but a young lad, but I remember every last note of her song.

Last post guys! Coulnd't just leave it at that!

Urbar suddenly barges in, slamming the door open. He starts to say something and stops, staring at the weird newcomer. Ulfa, his wolf companion, follows right behind and starts growling at the giant turtle. Urbar collects himself and speaks.
"I have to go, now. No time to explain."
For a change Urbar looks stricken.
"It's... No never mind, no time to explain."
He moves to everyone in the party and gives them a heartfelt hug, going to Gwen last. After giving her the hug he fishes a platinum coin out of his pocket and gives it to her.
"If you ever meet Ery again, tell him..."
Urbar falls silent for a moment.
"Tell him we both failed."
He pushes the coin in her hand, turns around and leaves without saying another word, sadness having replaced the look on his face.

Urbar, perception roll?

Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (3) + 11 = 14

Tereze holds on to Urbar just a little bit too long blinking to keep from tearing up.

Way is he leaving now after the talk we all just had?

But as he moves on, she goes over to the growling wolf and throws her arms around it. She softly whispers.
Goodbye Ulfa, try to keep him safe OK?

Gwen crosses her arms and watches the antics of this newcomer with an open look of bemusement, not quite sure what to make of his bravado. She starts when the door slams open suddenly, raising her fists up to a fighting stance, but then relaxes upon seeing Urbar's face. The look she spots though makes her head tilt to one side. Gwen holds onto him tightly, reluctant to let go of her friend as she can sense that this may be the last time she sees him... She looks down at the coin in her palm with a somber smile. "I will, Urbar. You... you take care of yourself and promise that you will send us word when you can."

She watches in shock, unable to say anything as she watches yet another of her family abruptly disappear. She looks almost sick as a pit begins to grow in her stomach. She glances to Tereze, Locke, and Fiona as if expecting them to dissipate into smoke. "What is happening?"

Locke, slightly nervous at the tight hug from Urbar at first, sighs slightly.

"Unknown circumstances are tearing at the cohesion."

Walking over to Gwen, Locke places a gloved hand on her shoulder.

"We'll see him again. He's a tough one, and that sort tends to survive despite odds."

Fiona shakes her head in disbelief. "First Ery, now Urbar and Ulfa. Who's going to leave next?" she says, a tear swelling in her eye. She turns to Gwen and Tereze, "I do hope he comes back. Urbar always reminded me of myself. We're both misfits who just don't fit with civilized peoples. I'm sure he also felt the wanderlust calling him. Did he just succumb to it? And what about me?" she finishes, puzzled and ruminating about the meaning of these recent events.

Her eyes slowly wander for a few moments, until reaching the newcomer and turtle duo. She squints at the turtle, then reluctantly nods at Testudo, but remains silent for now.

Testudo watches the events and coughs uncomfortably, patting Roshi's head, unsure of what to do about all the feelings running around.

You arrive in the Gilded City, Oppara, and though its roofs, spires, and domes no longer glitter with the gold plating that gave the city its name, Oppara remains the example of what the empire of Taldor once was, and what it could be again.

After a bit of asking around, you discover that a new opera, called Among the Living, will be debuting tonight.

You have an opportunity to make any purchases that you'd like, along with anything else you'd like to do! You arrive late morning, and the opera is scheduled for later this evening.

Diplo/gather information: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24
Diplo/gather information: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21 [ooc]Feel free to look under spoilers, can't figure out a natural way to include them.

Testudo arrives in his finest attire, a soldier's parade uniform, though of what army is difficult to determine, and the many, many, MANY, medals that are shining bright enough it hurts to look at covering his chest... and Roshi's shell. The turtle gives off a small growl of annoyance.

Hush now! I know you prefer 4 coatings of wax, but with having to shine our metals I only had the time for 3! Don't be spoiled!

Roshi gives Testudo a glare and goes back to carrying his master stoically. As his friends arrive, he waves to them.

TALLYHO MY FRIENDS! FORSOOTH, I HAD BEGUN TO WORRY YOU MAY MISS THE OPERA!

After making sure her stuff is settled, and dress is being ironed by the inn staff after the mess of travel: Tereze spends a bit of time looking around trying to find information on the House of the Immortal Sun.
Diplomacy (Gather Information): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (1) + 13 = 14

But she's unsuccessful, and has to rely on what her new companion gathers.
So instead she looks around for a bit to see if she can find a golden holy symbol of Sarenrae to match her golden ear-rings. (100 gp if you let me buy this)

Then she heads upstairs and proceeds to get herself ready.
Again going with the Navy blue dress but this time since her hair has finally grown out, matching it with Ringlets in a Ponytail.

She compliments the outfit off with her necklace (or golden holy symbol), earrings, and makeup.
Finally she uses her wrist sheath, (with longer straps) to strap her masterwork sliver dagger on her thigh under her skirts. If she was unable to find a suitable holy symbol, she also tucks her wooden holy symbol into her corset beneath her breasts. Using her mirror to make sure neither the dagger nor symbol are visible or disrupt the lines of her dress.

Full Courtier Outfit including Jewelry

As she finishes she offers to assist Gwen and Fiona with getting dressed if they need help.

When they are all ready, she glides down the stairs in her graceful manner leading her friends to the rest of the group.

A most impressive uniform friend Testudo. She glances him over to see if he has any weapons showing and then whispers softly. Are you ready in case something odd happens at ze Opera today and we need to defend ourselves?

Once again, Testudo's idea of a "Whisper" leaves much to be desired.

I will be, admittedly, at quiet the disadvantage. My armor and lance are both in my bags with Roshi, and while I can pull them out with ease due to the magic inside them, I can hardly be as the turtle with no shell... but, I will be able to hold my own.

He pats the small backpack, obviously a handy harversack, on Roshi's back.

Locke hadn't needed any extra purchases, though was wandering a bit around Oppara to see what the city was like.

Locke's bow was half hidden away underneath Locke's mantle, as far as was possible anyway.

Making sure the stylish silver buttons adorn the leather vest, Locke heads to the Opera house, where the others had arrived already, but only Testudo is met at first.

Cue Tereze coming down,

"Looking stylish, Tereze, it's beautiful."

She gives a little smile at the compliment.
Zank you Locke

Perhaps you will want to accompany Gwen? I am zinking your buttons will compliment ze detail work on her dress quite well.
Then she steps aside for her friends to make an entrance.

Welp, that changes how he handles things a bit.

As Testudo shows his hidden away armor and lance, a young waif looks at them and tugs at his uniform.

Mr? Are you a pathfinder?!

Testudo looks down at the child, and you can practically see him explode with excitement.

WHY YES CHILD! I AM INDEED A PATHFINDER!

Can I help you put on your armor Mr?

WHY YES TINY CHILD! OF COURSE YOU CAN!

He looks at the other Pathfinders and gives a sheepish smile as he begins donning his armor.

They love pathfinders here... I thought it would be best if we tried to be, as you say, INCOGNETO!... But I can't resist the admiration of a child!

Fully suited up with his gleaming armor, lance, and proudly displayed wayfinder, Testudo soon has a small crowd around him.

WHY YES! I AM TESTUDO, THE TURTLE KNIGHT! PROUDE PATHFINDER! AND TONIGHT, I AM ATTENDING THE OPERA!

Tereze just shakes her head and stands there looking at her companion. She makes no move to change out of her evening wear.

She gives a little smile at the compliment.
Zank you Locke

Perhaps you will want to accompany Gwen? I am zinking your buttons will compliment ze detail work on her dress quite well.
Then she steps aside for her friends to make an entrance.

"Ehm, sure."

Before that happens though, Locke likewise turns face to see Tetsudo with a crowd of children and youngsters, the man's voice bellowing above their already excited voices.

*Turns head back to facing Tereze*

A number of people from the crowd come up to shake your hands and ask questions about the exciting life of a Pathfinder. An older man with gray-white hair and glasses approaches with a message from the opera.

"Pathfinders, eh? Well that's sure a treat. You're more than welcome to attend the opera tonight - free of charge, of course! Your turtle too! And I hope you'll bring all your, your... what do you call it? . . . adventuring gear! Who knows what could happen, eh?!"

You can tell that the man is joking about anything happening at the theater, but that you're welcome to come fully armed to the show.

She smiles and thoughtlessly responds.

Then a look of shock crosses her face and she turns to Locke.

Locke shrugs slightly, palms upwards.

Now in a teasing playful tone,

She flashes a knowing smile then continues looking at the others.
Does anyone else want to change before we head out, or are we ready? I would hate to miss zis performance.

Although zinking about zis, some of you may want to store zings in that bag on ze noble turtle. Just in case....

Testudo starts marching towards the Opera.

MAKE WAY! MAKE WAY! TO THE OPERA!

Seeing the opera house for the first time, you notice that it is a large, windowless,
cylindrical building made of polished marble and granite and surrounded by thick, finely-carved pillars.

As you approach, an usher rushes toward you.

"Are you the Pathfinders that will be joining us tonight? Right this way, right this way."

He leads you to an arched entrance with a red carpet leading inside. As you enter, you find yourself in a vast, mostly empty room with only a few tables set to entertain guests, presumably after the performance. A few others mill about, and wealthy Taldans though without the look of nobility. Double doors stand on the opposite wall and open into the theater itself.

GLORIOUS! Testudo pronounces, loudly, as they come into the room.

TRULY, THE THEATRE SPEAKS FOR ITSELF, DOES IT NOT MY COMRADES!?

Sitting on his turtle, Roshi maneuvers up to a table and seems to sniff for snacks. Testudo pays him no mind.

HELLO MY FELLOW ATTENDANTS! I AM TESTUDO GRAECA, OF HOUSE GRAECA! I AM PLEASED TO BE SPENDING THIS GLORIOUS EVENING WITH YOU!

Your not sure who he's talking to... maybe the entire room? He's certainly loud enough to be possibly hailing everyone.

For those of you who have seen it, I just watched 3Below and Testudo and Vex would get along so well. GLORIOUS!

Tereze shakes her head at Testudo's antics then holds out her hand to Fiona.
Shall we find our seats and maybe powder our noses before the show?

If she agrees, Tereze leads Fiona around, trying to get a general feel for the layout of the public areas of the opera house before the show (taking special note of where any "back area" doors are.

I associate the name Vex with Critical Role. ^^

Locke looks around with surprise.

"It's a first for me in such a place. No expense saved to decorate this place, huh."

"That sounds like a great idea Tereze," Fiona answers hesitantly and follows Tereze's lead. As the two walk along she whispers "to tell you the truth I wish the play would just end, I'm just not used to dressing up like this".

Fiona had spent the previous several hours trying to create a suitable outfit from her meager belongings and whatever she could find in the local shops. As much as she tried, however, she could not match clothes, jewelry and accessories - and ended up just keeping her regular outfit on, opting for comfort over blending in. Once Fiona actually arrived at the Opera House, however, she immediately felt underdressed, nervous and less confident than even her usual self.

A number of patrons approach each of you, eager to hear about your exploits as Pathfinders, sufficiently ooing and ahhing at the most dramatic bits.

You learn that tonight's opera, Among the Living is debuting tonight. It's an epic tale of a lone Ulfen warrior named Victory who sails to the ends of Golarion, crashes off the edge of the world, and finds himself in a gothic paradise where he falls in love with the undead queen of a jungle kingdom. It’s rumored to be melodramatic, over-acted, gaudy, and tasteless - just the sort of affair Taldor’s wealthy screams to attend.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (7) + 13 = 20
As others are talking, Tereze tries to slip the following question in with the attendees flocking for stories.

So is it ever possible to get an invitation to meet ze actors backstage? If ze actor playing Victory is as gorgeous as zey say, it might be a treat to be able to tell the other Pathfinders zat we met him.

Fiona finds it difficult to relax, but after performing a few breathing exercises gains enough composure to answer some the questions directed at her with single words first, then full sentences. Hearing Tereze's suggestion, she nods in approval but finds it difficult to feign excitement in her voice.

Locke, like Fiona, isn't too excited with the whole gathering around them.
After a few questions, at which a few youngsters start inquiring about Locke's mask and voice(s), Locke gets an idea.

Looks like i'm not the only one feeling uncomfortable.
I've got to try and shift their attention to something..... someone, else.

"Well, but if you want to hear something truly exciting, ask the big man here about his special breed of tortoises, they are special."

So is it ever possible to get an invitation to meet ze actors backstage? If ze actor playing Victory is as gorgeous as zey say, it might be a treat to be able to tell the other Pathfinders zat we met him.

"Well, from here you'd have to cut through the nobles entrance and the royal entrance," a well-dressed man with red hair and beard says, laughing. "And you certainly wouldn't want to do that!" He says this last part as if it's the most obvious thing in the world.

Another theater-goer, a heavy-set woman with blonde hair and green eyes wearing far too much make-up, also replies. "You could also try to catch the actors coming in through the white entrance at the other side of the building, but I'm sure they're all in their dressing rooms by now!"

At the mention of Tortoises, Testudo booms loud enough for the prince to hear.

WHY YES, THESE MAGNIFICENT BEASTS ARE THE SPECIAL GRAECA LAND TURTLES, KNOW TO THE LAYMEN AS TORTOISES, BUT ACTUALLY ROSHI HERE IS THE FINEST SPECIMEN OF THE RARE FAMILY GRAEC SWIFT SWIMMER BREED!

If anyone was looking at any of the pathfinders, they probably are only looking at one as the clanking turtle rider steps around his mount, doing sweeping demonstrations.

LOOK AT THESE FINE LEGS! THAT SHELL! THAT PATTERNING! LOOK AT THE GLOSS ON HIS SKIN, JUST THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF ELASTICITY, AND HIS NECK, LOOK AT THAT NECK! EVEN HIS TAIL IS THE PICTORESQUE SPECIMIN OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL TURTLE TO GRACE THIS LAND!

Roshi, for his part, bites into an horderves and looks rather unamused with his riders proclamations. Though, that may just be how turtles look.

Tereze gets near Locke and whispers to him.

Fiona cowers away from Testudo's booming voice. Despite hearing the large warrior speak on several occasions it still sounds too loud. She looks around, trying to find a place to move further away and avoid unwanted attention.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

As she moves away, she notices Tereze and Locke sneaking away as well. Slowly, so as not to draw unwanted attention, she follows them.

She starts to sneak away to the north.

Locke nods to Tereze's comment, walking alongside her.

Gwen spent a lot of time remaining quiet and avoiding having to speak as social gatherings were never her forte. When she spots Tereze and Locke moving off to one side, she quickly slips over to them. "What's the plan?"

Tereze nods at the north door. And quietly whispers.
Follow, us to see what is zere

Locke nods, and looks to see if anyone is paying attention to them.
If not, Locke feels the handle/knob to see if it's locked. If it is,

Take 10 for 20 to pick the lock.
If it isn't locked, Locke gently opens the door slightly, for them to look through.

As Locke tries the door, Fiona steps forward and grabs Gwen by the arm, grins for a moment, then mutters a few words to cast a hex on her to prepare her for whatever the group will encounter ahead.

Ward hex on Gwen, +2 to AC, +2 to saves - until the next time Gwen is hit or fails a saving throw.

Perception, anyone looking our way?: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18

Walking through the unlocked door, you find yourself in a far-less ornamented room with a green carpet running through the center. Many in the crowd turn to look at you, though no one seems to much care that you've entered. It becomes clear quickly that this entrance is meant for commoners, who fill the chamber. Looking around, you see a door leading into the theater on your left and a door leading outside on the right.

"Huh, the general entrance. Shall we try the left door, or go back?"

"Let's backtrack and check the noble's/royal door and hope it's clear while everybody is still enjoying themselves at the reception," Fiona suggests.