PFS: The Prince of Augustana T2 (Inactive)

Game Master nightdeath

After a hurried summons to the Grand Lodge in Absalom, a quick conversation with Venture-Captain Alissa Moldreserva, and a wet, stormy trip across the Inner Sea to Andoran, the small, warm Pathfinder Lodge in Augustana is a welcome break from travel. “I can’t believe we are wasting our time on this matter,” says Caudron Wallace, the venture-captain of Augustana as he paces the main hall. “Frankly, I want as little to do with it as possible, so I’m passing it on to you.” Wallace nods toward a door at the back of the room. “The vagrant through there was found collapsed on our front steps gripping a wayfinder of all things. We still don’t know who he is. Talk to him, for the tale he tells is amazing if true, and then come back here.”

The room at the back of the main hall, you find a small sitting room with six comfortable chairs and a few bookshelves filled with the latest Pathfinder Chronicles. An old, withered man sits in one of the chairs, half-dozing when you enter. His skin is shockingly pale and his features are sharp with high cheekbones and a jutting chin.

Gaeldrung shoulders his way into the room. He's already huge as a result of his orc heritage, but the crowned helm he wears just makes him taller. His armor gleams as he sits across from the shell of a man. The chair creeks in protest.
I hear you spin a good tale, sir. Mind if I hear it?

A tall, noble elf strides into the room. Already known to his companions from the voyage across the Inner Sea, he introduces himself to the supposed vagrant. "Sir, I am Mun, a servant of Ashava and a Pathfinder here to help get to the root of your troubles. Please, do let us know what brings you here under these circumstances."

Resplendent in fine clothing adorned with ornamental jewelry--all in the latest fashion in colors of silver and blue (except for the red ruby ring he wears on his right hand)--he sits carefully, ensuring that the chair he chooses is clean and that his outfit stays in good shape.

His eyes are of a solid blue, lacking iris or pupils, that swims and swirls like an iridescent paint. He fixes his gaze on the old man, awaiting his answer.

Yanabuchi Kasumi (named in the Japanese style, so Yanabuchi is the family name) is a slight woman. Currently in her human form, she wears elegantly-fashioned robes of red, white, and gold. Her voice is soft and melodious, and she smiles gently and bows to greet both her companions and the Venture-Captain, though her eyes contain a slight glint of mischief.

Kasumi takes up a position behind and to the side of her companions, where she can observe the old man's demeanor while being in his peripheral vision.

A young man dressed in black and blue monks robes enters into the room. He has a pair of tonfa at his sides. He sees the young Tian woman and bows to her and gives her a charming smile.

On the trip from Absalom, Kasumi has probably spoken with Gray Son at least a bit. How charming is he actually trying to be, in general?

His charm is pretty natural. He kinds of flirts without really being conscious of it

Stepping into the lodge is a tall, silver haired elf in fine green robes embroidered with ornate arcane sigils. He wears sandals and clearly looks uncomfortable inside the lodge as if claustrophobic. Nodding the the Venture Captain as they rant, Thracius meekly follows the others into the room and waits for the others to take a seat before grabbing an empty one. As you watch, his hair starts to rustle and a tiny humanoid of petrified wood peers out slightly before ducking back behind the flowing silver hair.

"Ermm... My name is Thracius." he says softly, "A pleasure to meet you all."

Kasumi responds to Gray Son rather coyly - she seems to appreciate the attention, and makes no effort to conceal that she's kitsune, but otherwise she tends to turn the conversation towards him and avoids giving many details about herself or where she came from.

@Thracius Is that Nira with you? Cool! Kasumi doesn't know her, but as a player I always enjoy seeing those boons come up.

Despite his incredibly filthy visage, matted white hair, and infirmity, when he awakes, he regales you all with a look of absolute, confident superiority. For a moment he seemed different as if the touch of insanity has left but a slight mark on him.

“My loyal subjects, welcome! I know that some of you might not recognize me in my current state, but it is truly me, Gandros, the long-lost Prince of Augustana. I have been in hiding since the untimely death of my father, the Emperor, preparing for my return to glory. Unfortunately, I bear ill news. The army I have been gathering in the otherworld has been infiltrated by agents of our enemies. When last I called my forces together for inspection, dark assassins attacked me and I barely escaped with my life.”rolling up his sleeve to reveal a series of recently inflicted claw and tooth marks on his right forearm. He then launches into a breathless retelling of how he came to be in the Lodge, without pause or acknowledgement of interruptions.

“I fled back through the magic portal to this realm. Grievously wounded, and with the assassins in close pursuit, I leapt into the dark river. I floated past the Almsman’s Sanctuary, but couldn’t climb out of the water. I did manage to grab one of the bridges, but a plank fell in with me. I held on for dear life and continued to drift downstream. I went over a waterfall and then emerged in the lake of ships and crawled to shore. Augustana has changed since I last walked my city’s bright streets, but I managed to find this house, bearing the symbol of my father’s empire.” He holds up the wayfinder hanging from a chain around his neck. “I knew I would find help here! If you remove the threat from my kingdom below and help restore me to my rightful place as Emperor of Andoran, I will grant you any boon within my power!”

Mun listens to the man's tale with a curious interest. While it's obvious that the man believes what he says to be true, Mun tries to recall if anything the man says rings with any truth that Mun is also aware of.

Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

My Familiar is a Petrifern. Though i have done that module and am very tempted!

Listening intently to the Prince's tale, Thracius keeps in silence throughout being talked at, though whether this is due to politeness or habit you can't be sure. When the tale is finished, Thracius nods and desperately tries to hide the wrinkle of his nose against the foul smell. Bowing, Thracius speaks softly and holds his hands out to show he has no weapon.

Err, Sire. Please allow me to return your raiment to former glory." he says shyly before casting a small spell to clean the man.

Prestidigitation

@Nightdeath- any chance you can remove Zandu from the campaign tab? Keep posting as him lol

When the man reveals the marks on his arm, Kasumi moves in more closely to examine them. "Did your attackers have animals with them?" She allows only the tiniest bit of skepticism to show in her voice.

Gaeldrung listened with close attention. This man was probably insane, but if the story was true it would bring a battle that any Gorumite priest would be proud to call his own.
And what threat, exactly, do you require removed, my lord. You have said "dark assassins", but what assassins were these? How should we find them?

The monk nods at the half-orcs comments. The more details we have the better we will be to stop these instances of brutality.

Zandu Removed

As the man preens under your given titles, his eyes lights up as Thracius offers to 'dress' him up to a much better appearance, he speaks.
"Do so my loyal subject with my noble permission."

"The beasts they had with them were foul and massive! All teeth and claws! I was lucky to get away with my life! GO! I command you to rid my domain of these beasts!"

"Go!" he points with a quavering finger, his breathing suddenly shallow and face pale.

Kasumi is somewhat taken aback by the man's feverish command. Not inclined to press him further in such a state, she ponders the man's mental state...

These are my best guesses at the relevant skill checks.

Heal: 1d20 ⇒ 4
Sense Motive: 1d20 ⇒ 14

Assuming that she doesn't notice anything relevant, Kasumi is ready to return to the VC and hear more of what he has to say at this point.

Glad at least of the relatively pleasant smell from the cleaned Prince, Thracius looks to the Venture Captain and their companions for guidance on the next step in this mad quest. Puzzling a few things out from what the Prince has told them, the Forest-raised Elf shrugs, having little knowledge of Human cities and their make up.

"An otherworldly Portal," he whispers uncertainly. "This needs looking into for sure..."

Kasumi nods at Thracius in agreement, then gives a wry smile. "I suppose it's too much to hope that this portal will lead somewhere more pleasant than the one I encountered on my last mission, huh?"

"Your... highness?" Mun begins tentatively, looking to the others, unsure if he believes the man's story--or title. "I think we will be happy to assist. Where will we find this portal you speak of?"

Almost as an afterthought he adds. "Also, what year was it when you last left Augustana to venture to the otherworld?"

When he noticed the man's breathing go shallow, Mun rises and approaches. He examines the man to see if there is healing or other aid that Mun can provide.

Heal: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (10) + 0 = 10

Mun notices tehat Gandros is exhibiting all the signs of withdrawal. Likely from some form of hallucinogenic substance that has clouded his mind all these time.

Venture-Captain Wallace is pacing in the main halls as you return, looking up with some impatience as he begins speaking.

“My diviners say that there is some truth to his story. There has never been a Prince of Augustana, nor an Emperor in Andoran, but the old fellow has a surprising amount of knowledge of the pre-revolution noble families of the city. He may be the lost scion of some noble line. If so, he’s fallen far. From the filth and stink on him when we found him, we’re fairly certain he’s been living in or near a sewer. The wayfinder is also a mystery, but for now, it makes him one of ours. However, I’m more interested in his supposed gate to the otherworld. If it exists, I want to know about it. Implausible as it may seem, I’m certain that his injuries were caused by otherworldly beings. We must take the possibility of a portal seriously. I don’t want to dirty my hands with this, but you don’t have that choice. Retrace the old man’s path through the sewers. The Almsman, whom he repeatedly mentions, is rumored to be an eccentric priest who runs some sort of hidden beggar’s sanctuary in the sewers. He may know where our prince’s portal is, if you can find him. But be warned; a local gang calling themselves the Steel Wyverns claims the sewers near the Almsman’s Sanctuary as their own territory.”

Thracius sighs at the thought of trailing through the sewers, his light clothing not designed for such a task. Nodding though at the Captain's orders, the Elf shrugs as they think about their next move. Thinking on what the poor man must have suffered, the Wizard finally speaks after agonising over what to say.

"Erm.. Well... Would the 'lake of ships' be the harbour? Is there a sewer entrance near?" he suggests.

"Do the rumors say anything more about the Almsman, such as which god he worships? And do you think he'll be willing to cooperate with us, or will he take some convincing?"

"Retrace the old man’s path through the sewers."

Mun audibly groans at this statement. "Will the Society never rest until my entire wardrobe is soiled?" He shakes his head and waves off any remarks on this off-hand comment. "Never mind, never mind; there's a reason that I learned Prestidigitation."

"I should point out that I think he was experiencing withdrawal from some sort of hallucinogen. To the Venture-Captain's point, the truth of what he has seen, or what he believes he's seen, doesn't change our mission. But, it may help us, too. Is there some area of the sewers that is known to contain hallucinogenic fungi, or something similar?

Gaeldrung shrugs. I've cleaned sewers before. It was goblins under Magnimar last time. I don't expect this time will be any more difficult.

He then crosses his arms and waits for his comrade's questions to be answered.

The monk sits by quietly, taking in what every one else is saying.

"I could show you a possible entrance but in this case I'm more or less in the dark as are you. The entrane should be north like....about......here!" Venture-Captain Wallace shows the spot on the map of the likely sewer outlet from which Gandros came. It’s near the north end of the crowded Augustana harbor, near where the north harbor wall hits land.

Diplomacy to Gather Information or Knowledge(Local) if interested

Kasumi doesn't know much about Augustana herself, but she will see what she can learn from the locals.

Diplomacy (gather information): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28

Mun works to discover what he can about the sewers; he still focuses his attention on any knowledge of hallucinogenic fungi or plants down there, but doesn't shy away from any useful information.

Diplomacy, gather information: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14

I didn't mean to declare an area of focus for my gather information attempt - I was just trying to write a bit of fluff to go with the roll - but after seeing Mun's post I see how it could be read that way. if you want multiple checks for different areas I guess we'll say that one was for general city information.

The one time I don't have those skills, lol

Mun's and Kasumi's excellent information sources gets you to the entrance easily.

The maintenance entrance looks like a cellar door in an alley, but the stairs under it descend 20 feet into the settling pools.

The water in the channel is revoltingly filthy, and likely no one wants to be exposed to it. The effluvium is difficult terrain to move through, and the current is fairly swift.

Kasumi pauses as the noxious smell assaults her senses. "You know, I remember hearing one of the senior Pathfinders mention something called 'antiplague' that they like to use in these situations. Anyone mind if I take a moment to pick up some before we continue?"

If no one objects, Kasumi will go purchase a dose of antiplague and take it before entering the sewers. It costs 50gp and gives a +5 to Fort saves vs. disease for 1 hr, if anyone else wants to purchase some as well. It can also be consumed by someone already infected to allow the person to roll twice and take the better result (without the +5 bonus, in that case).

"I have had trouble with illness from within sewers before, in fact. I think I will pick up some of your antiplague as well." Mun ventures with Kasumi to pick some up before heading into the sewers.

Mun will pick up one vial but will not drink it immediately, choosing to wait and see what they will find in the musty dark.

Before stepping down into the sewers, Mun withdraws a wand with a knurled handle, activating it on himself. Casting heightened awareness for +2 Perception and trained Knowledge; Mun will dismiss the spell for a +4 bonus to Initiative the first time that is rolled.

Tunnels are dark.
Map is up.
Set yourselves on the map on the stairs going North.

The smell of waste and rot is strong in this large chamber where filthy water flows in a series of cascades between tiered stone tanks. A raised platform along the east wall is connected to the passage’s walkways by several thick wooden planks creating a makeshift bridge. On that platform is what looks to be a makeshift alchemy lab on a rough-hewn table—beakers, glass vials, dirty bottles, and moldy buckets cover the entire surface of the table.

Looking up, he snickers.
"Tough luck on you for what the tide has brought in. Leave your valuables and you can leave with your lives." his companions laugh as the swing their chains menancingly.

I'm on the map

I've added Kasumi to the map. Did you want us to roll initiative, or do you prefer to do that yourself? If we're supposed to...

Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15

You mention that the tunnels are dark - is light a factor here, or can I assume that the sewer-dwellers have put up enough light sources to see everything?

Also, let me confirm that I'm reading the map correctly:

The arrows point down and in the direction of water flow. The two guys near the stairs on the left side with us are 5' down, while the guy with the goggles across the bridge is in the same level as us.

Is that correct?

Tunnel you are desending is dark.
The area is lighted yes.
You are also right on elevation.
I'll roll Initative but right now what actions to be done now is pending the PCs.

On my phone so no access to the map right now, could someone put me on?.

Keeping quiet as Mun and Kasumi stroll through the town asking questions of the locals, listening intently to the answers should they be of relevance later. Meekly showing their own vial of antiplague to i dicate they are ready, Thracius also draws a wand and uses it to bring forth a shimmering force coating his skin. The Elf then pulls out some knee high wrapped sandals and attaches them to their feet before descending.

"What an awful smell, these places are indeed dangerous." he cautions softly.

Before they proceed, the Elf activates the properties of their Wayfinder to create a light in the darkness. Stopping short as the ruffians demand their valuables, the shy Elf waits for their companions to talk.

I've added Thracius to the map, at the back of the party.

If the ruffians aren't attacking immediately, Kasumi (currently around the corner where they can't see her) will pull out her Wand of Mage Armor and use it on herself (which I'd meant to do earlier). She then moves forward around the corner and addresses them.

"Let's not be hasty here - we come with a business opportunity that might interest you. I mean, you are the dealers we've heard about, right?" she says, motioning to the alchemy lab. She sets her wand down and raises her hands in a gesture of peace. With a wry smile, she continues. "Besides, are you sure you want to cross the Aspis Consortium?"

Knowing that the old man was suffering withdrawal symptoms, Kasumi is making an educated guess that an alchemy lab in the sewers is probably producing some kind of drugs. She's dealt with drugs before, though she doesn't know the details of making them. However, she's hoping that mentioning the Aspis will give them pause one way or the other.

Bluff: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14

Sewers. Again. Just my luck. Gaeldrung thinks as rugged party make their way into filth. The fact that someone was down here doing alchemy was a bit of a surprise, but not enough for him to comment. Instead he follows Kasumi with great ax in hand and a threatening smile on his face.
I wouldn't want to cross us. He rumbles.
intimidate: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16

Mun hangs back, waiting to hear how they respond to Kasumi's bluff.

The monk will make sure that his tonfa are in easy reach in case things turn bad.

I tried to add Gaeldrung to the map, but it doesn't seem like the image uploaded properly. Someone else may want to try it instead.

Listening to Kasumi take the lead, and Gaeldrung playing 'bad watchman', Thracius almost starts at the mention of the Aspis, before realising it was, hopefully, a ruse. Taking a deep breath , the Wizard waits for the drama to unfold and dreads the struggle to come.

The sewer is in fact disgusting.

"Aspis? Right. We're from the Pathfinder Society and this place is under their claim. Get your sorry behinds back to where you come from and we'll let you off with the clothes on your back after you set down your gold!" his voice though confident is laced with some feat at the menancing looking half orc.

Come and get it, scum. Gaeldrung spits in their general direction and motions them to come at him, bro, as he steps in front of Kasumi.

readied power attack if they do come at him: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14
damage: 1d12 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

Startled by their reply, Thracius thinks on the thugs words, wondering if they were indeed Pathfinder agents, though unlikely. Coming to the conclusion that the Venture Captain would wish these traitor agents imprisoned for petty banditry, the Wizard's train of thought is derailed by the sudden ferocity of Gaeldrung.

Well, I certainly wasn't expecting the alchemist to say that. Anyway, I assume we're going to initiative at this point?