PbP GameDay 2: QfP2 - PFS 3-11 On Hostile Waters (1-5) (Inactive)

Game Master Beckett

Summoned to Tien Xia, you where sent by the ex-Lantern Lodge agent Amara Li to investigate a lost temple, called the Clouded Path Monastery. Therein, you discovered an ancient, though inactive relic, the Braid of 1,000 Masters, said to have been passed down by Irori himself just before he ascended. The Braid was passed from master to prodigy for ages, but at some point the master was challenged by an overly proud student. The master set the Braid aside, and battled the student, and won, then left the monastery, leaving the students and the braid behind. Unable to activate the Braid, the students first fought, then eventually gave up and left.

One had remained, and at the end of his life, had prayed for the time and wisdom to discover the secret of the Braid. His prayer was answered, partially, as he was turned into a statue, and given the time to contemplate over the braid, and also the pride that had caused him to challenge his master, resulting in the monastery being abandon, then forgotten.

One thing he had discovered, and that he passed on to you, was that the Braid could only be reactivated by it's last true master, Li Yao. Sadly, Li Yao likely died centuries ago. Returning to Amara Li with the Braid, the location of the Clouded Mind Monastery, and the lore you learned from the stone monk, she was very please, though disappointed that such a relic was forever beyond her and the Society in Tien Xia. She made you welcome to study, and opened all of the amenities of the Lodge to you as honored guests, as you awaited you next mission or your return home.

Not even a week later, she summons you to her chambers once more, obviously excited, and slightly betraying her normal patience and reserved nature, but only slightly. Her accent is thick, filled with respect and an inner confidence.

“I’ve looked into the situation surrounding the relic you found, the Braid of a Hundred Masters. As you may have noticed, the artifact appears to have been dormant for many years now, and in this state it’s essentially worthless to us. Fortunately, it can be reactivated, but only by the descendant of the braid’s last master, who, as you may know, was the master of the Clouded Path Monastery many years ago, a man by the name of Li Yao. I’ve discovered the whereabouts of his final living descendant — a woman by the name of Je Tsuin — but she now resides in the nation of Shokuro to the east, far from where her ancestor taught in his monastery in the Wall of Heaven. In order to reactivate the sacred relic, you’ll need to travel to the village of Nesting Swallow in Shokuro and find Je Tsuin to perform the necessary ritual."

“Unfortunately,” she continued, “we’re not the only group interested in Iroran artifacts. Our operatives claim that Lingshen, the Successor State to the southeast, is after the relic as well. Since Lingshen’s armies have a stranglehold on the overland routes from here to Shokuro, you’ll have to travel by river. Riding the Tuunma is faster anyway, though you might run into some hostile Mutabi-qi or goblinoids along the way. The river empties into the Sea of Eels—cross it and you’re in Shokuro, and from there you can follow the map I’ve provided to reach Nesting Swallow."

“Ah, before I forget, you’ll also need you to make a quick stop along the way. The ritual requires a large amount of rare incense—more than I could easily procure from any of my local suppliers — so I’ve contacted a nomadic tribe in Shaguang, the Jhemulit, and they have agreed to provide you with the prepared herbs. I’ve already paid their shaman, a man named Ogokai, and I’ve marked their approximate location on your map, so it’s simply a matter of picking up the incense on your way to Shokuro.”

Torean wipes his mouth. The weird eating sticks were hard to master but damned if the food wasnt good. Especially those spicy peppers. Ale could be stronger though.

"Je Tsuin, huh? Gods you've got some funny names here. We find this girl before the others and she'll know how to use the braid? What does she look like and will she even know what we're talking about?"

"It is doubtful that she will know how to use the braid. She is the last living descendant, but as her ancestor, Li Yao, was the last rightful guardian of the Braid, and it was never passed on, I believe that right was passed down his line. We need to find the girl and perform a sacred ritual that I hope to attune the girl to the Braid, so that she can pass it on to us."

"This ritual requires a great deal of rare incense. As I mentioned, I need for you to make a stop along the way. I'm giving you my ship, and have already made arrangements with a village to procure the incense. From there you will continue your journey to the town of Nesting Swallow and find the girl. She is not aware of any of this, so do not expect her to be waiting for you. It's safer that way, so that others also seeking to gain the Braid can not, how your people say, "beat us to the punch". As for the girl, what we do know is that she is very young, but seems to hold a position of authority and place of honor amongst her people beyond her young age. We also believe that she will not be the last descendant for very much longer. You will need to hurry."

Unlike most of the VC's and Faction Heads you have met, Amara Li seems to welcome questions, giving the impression that she wishes you to succeed and that you are not a waste of her time.

"My ship is being made ready now, and I hope that you can be ready to sail it in the morning. I've also arranged for a map to be made."

You still have a few hours to prep, such as purchases, switching out spells, or whatever before going t sleep. And feel free to ask questions.

"Have these people even heard of Pathfinders? I suppose it's more likely they'll have heard of the Clouded Path Monastery."

A tall man enters, wearing garb that appears to be somewhat similar to the local styles. A longspear rests in a travel holster on his back, and his armor is dyed black to match the rest of his equipment.

"Yes good dwarf, we know of Pathfinders here. They may not be as popular as they are in places like Andoran lands or Absalom, but we know of the Society."

He offers a small bow, then intoduces himself.

"Greetings, I am Sudara Ishizu, and I have been assigned to your group for our travel to Nesting Swallow and other stops along the way."

Having remained silently eating before now, Gunnar speaks up, "Hail, Ishizu-san. Will you be accompanying us?"

Posting quickly so that this appears on my campaign list, but I'm unlikely to have the time today to read prior posts and make a post myself as I'm helping a buddy move so will be away from computer.

A trip bathing in the divine's light? This has the potential to be a great adventure.

"The quest seems simple enough but you mentioned we may come across some hostile Mutabi-qi. I don't believe I have heard of them before. Do you have any information about them?"

“That’s what the nomad tribes of Shaguang call themselves. Most are pretty aggressive toward outsiders, but if you can make friendly contact, you’ll find them very hospitable. They travel from oasis to oasis across Shaguang, and frequently make stops along the Tuunma River to water their horses.”

"How young is she? Are we talking a toddler or a girl of like 10? And what do you know about these people form Lingshen? What are our orders if they try to interfere?"

"I'll be honest, we are not sure. We have not had any direct contact with her, nor her village. Since you returned, I have had the Pathfinders here in Goka researching genealogies and histories, hoping to discover what became of Li Yao once he left the Clouded Mind Monastery. We still do not know for sure, but we tumbled upon his descendant. A few divinations revealed she is a member of the Elders council, though based on what we learned from scrolls indicates it is not possible for the girl to be older than 20 years old, not an elder."

She stops for a moment, trying to think of a way to explain something.

"Further auguries warned that she will not be the last descendant of Li Yao for much longer, though we where not able to find a cause for this. Her fate is unknown. I, am not certain that the ritual will even work. It was not intended for the guardianship of the Braid to be passed as such. But, if it does, Je Tsuin is the only person it might work on. If she is lost to us, the Braid is likewise lost to the Society forever."

I know that not everyone is here yet, but as a group you will need to pick one person to act as the ship's pilot, (that's coming up soon). It requires one of three checks, as a Move action. You can you Know: Nature, Profession Sailor, or a simple Wis check to pilot the ship. Other characters, as a Standard Action, can attempt to Aid Another, but to do so for Know: Nature or Prof: Sailor, ONLY if they have a Rank in that skill). Vrockwing should be showing up soon, but otherwise it appears like Torean is the only one with the skills or Wis.

Ha, you're going to trust a dwarf to captain a ship?

Too bad you're not a saltbeard. :P

"As a Sky Sentinel, I've tried my hand at sailing a couple of times. Ain't easy, but I might be your best shot. I don't want to hear any b$$@*ing though, unless you want to be swimming the whole way there. If you make me captain, then it's my boat. My rules." Torean laughs.

Sudara grins.

"I've never been on a boat for longer than a trip to cross a river. And once in Absalom after some nasty business with nobles being sold as slaves. Both times ended with me having to stab people."

He finds a seat and leans on his spear.

"When do we leave?"

Ready to travel, you meet Amara Li the next morning as she takes you to the ship. Map is at the top of the page As promised, she gives you a map detailing your route, and explains that the trip should take approximately 12 days. With a proud look at the modest two-masted junk, a stylized crow painted along it's bow in a very Tien style, "This is the Laughing Crow, my personal vessel. I do hope you understand the amount of trust I am putting in you, and just what this means. I expect that you should treat her with the respect she deserves."

On board, rations for the trip, as well as various crates and supplies that you can use for upkeep or to appear as a merchant vessel if need be. Boarding, and setting sail, you quickly find that controlling the ship is not difficult. At least with no distractions. There is a strong rutter at the rear, and the pilot simply needs to maneuver it in the right direction to direct the ship, which is guided by the wind. However, without a pilot constantly holding the rutter, it will be caught in the current, and quickly direct the ship in whatever direction, which can easily cause it to crash.

After a few days of literal smooth sailing, you reach an reach a stretch of river known as the Kogendu Basin, (accoring to the map, and a footnote), which remains a popular hiding spot for raiders from Shaguang who hope to prey on passing trading ships. The river slows as it leaves the sandy highlands and winds its way between the rolling hills of this dry, grassy basin. The breeze that blows from the north is dusty and warm, and a thicket of short gnarled trees lines the shore.

Perception checks please. I also really need to know Feng's level to see what Sub Tier this one will be.

Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 4

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

Torean has only minor trouble steering the ship and quickly gets the hang of the equipment. It does, however, take his full attention. "Hey, if anything happens with these Mutabi-qi, you all better take care of it. I don't think I can let this go without the boat drifting off course or slamming into something."

Do I need to make checks?

Before setting off, Sudara takes the time to summon his Eidolon, Kami.

Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 13

"About time you call for me Sudara. If I'm not here to make sure you aren't messing up, disaster follows you on a short string, boy."

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

As you begin to sail into an area where the land on both sides begins to narrow, Kami hears the feint sound of many hoof beats coming from just behind a nearby hill.

Too late to stop or reverse the ship's direction, you realize you have little choice but to sail closer. For the next few minutes, the bank is approximately 50ft from the ship, and trying to sail in either direction is likely to make the ship hit ground below the water.

Kami gets a Surprise Round, and is the only one aware of anything just yet. No actual threats are visible, (behind an upcoming hill). Torean can I get a Sail check please.

"Horses over that hill!"

The Eidolon roars a challenge, unable to do anything to attract the attention of enemies.

Total Defense action.

Knowledge, Nature: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22

Torean cranes his neck around to look at the hill the dragon-creature indicates. He doesn't see anything immediately and his eyes snap back to the river. He muscles the tiller around to avoid some small debris.

Round 1
Sudara/Kami, Vrockwing (Total Defense), & Wyran
------------------------------------------------------------------
Mutabi-qi 1, Mutabi-qi 2, Mutabi-qi 3, Mutabi-qi 4, & Mutabi-qi 5
------------------------------------------------------------------
Gunnar & Torean (Move Action to Pilot)

Five lightly armored warriors break over a hill riding fast towards you. They each have shortbows in hand, carry scimitars on their sides, and each is wearing an eastern armor made of hardened leather. They ride to 30ft from the bank (80ft from you) and begin to fire at you, hoping to either force you to try to make port or to kill you and raid the ship after it crashes. Assuming you can pilot straight, you could sail right past them after 4 or 5 rounds, (taking fire until your out of range). You could also attempt to sail to the bank and attack (there is a risk of hitting shallow spots and damaging the ship). No map for this one, but if you stand near the outer railing of the ship +2 AC. If you go below deck you can't be hit at all. They are to the right of the ship. From the side of the ship, the bank is 50ft away, and they are (currently) another 30ft from that, so 80ft away from you, (which also means out of range for a lot of spells).

Sudara and Kami both maintain defensive positions, scrambling for the cover of the railing.

"Sudara, what are you doing? Return fire!"

The draconic ancestor cranes his head around to glare at Sudara.

Sudara flusters.

"I.. I can't ancestor! I forgot to purchase a crossbow!"

Full defense behind railing.

"Whaat?! Stupid Boy!"

Kami roars in frustration before shouting to Torean.

"You! Pilot! Unless someone else is going to pick off those raiders or Sudara vomits a crossbow, it looks like we have to pilot our way out!"

Total Defense by railing.

Wyran rushes to protect Torean from the arrow fire, and looks over at the mutabi-qi firing at them. He concentrates for a moment and lets Sarenrae's glorious presence wash over him.

Move to rail. Cast Glorious Presense on myself (Basically same as Sanctuary Spell)

The raiders loose arrows at you in unison.

Mutabi-qi 1 Shortbow vs Sudara: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19 MISS
Mutabi-qi 2 Shortbow vs Kami: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17 MISS
Mutabi-qi 3 Shortbow vs Gunnar: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15 MISS
Mutabi-qi 4 Shortbow vs Vrockwing: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21 MISS
Mutabi-qi 5 Shortbow vs Wyran: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22 Will: 1d20 ⇒ 9 BUT FAILS

Round 1

Sudara/Kami, Vrockwing (Total Defense), & Wyran
------------------------------------------------------------------
Mutabi-qi 1, Mutabi-qi 2, Mutabi-qi 3, Mutabi-qi 4, & Mutabi-qi 5
------------------------------------------------------------------
-->>Gunnar & Torean (Move Action to Pilot)

Torean hunkers down, but continues to guide the boat past the raiders.

Knowledge, Nature: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

Gunnar stands next to Torean ready to block arrows with his shield.

Total Defense. Using Saving Shield (an immediate action, so I should be able to do so during total defense) to increase Toreans AC by two if he's attacked.

Very nice.

Does anyone plan on attacking the raiders? If not, we can basically skip past this random encounter and move on, (they need nat 20s to hit, and it might be a bit monotonous).

(I don't. They might have good stuff but I can't hit em.)

I have 3 javelins, no bow yet. Unless Torean decides to move the boat over there, I'm staying put.

Nope. Dwarf is sailing right on by these nuisances.

I forgot to add that after they fired, they moved to the bank and are now 50ft away, which is as close as they get unless the ship lands on the bank.

Its fine if you want to sail past, I just dont want to have this encounter be boring and drawn out.

i have no intent to attack. Seems like an unnecessary risk.

We ain't stopping.

Onward we go.

Traveling past the bandits is relatively safe, though the ship takes a bit of damage. After a few volleys completely missing, they start to focus on the ship instead until they realize you will not be deceived into docking.

Following the directions on the map, you come to your first stop. It's half a day's journey further downriver from the Kogendu Basin. Several horses and goats contentedly graze about the wide grassy plain on either side of the river, but the fields look as though they have been recently flooded. A half-dozen yurts, drenched from a recent storm, dot the northern shoreline, smoke curling from their rounded roofs. Two small shrines sits a few yards east of the camp, surrounded by wildflowers.

As you approach, you can tell that most of the people of the nomadic village stare at your approach, unsure if they should expect friend or foe. As you com closer, a short, middle-aged Tian-La man with graying hair and a scraggly beard waves you ashore on the northern bank of the Tuunma. Torean manages to land the ship with no trouble, and you find an odd contraption that unfolds to serve both as a ladder and a plank.

"Wee have been expecting zou. But, before wee may offer you hospitality, wee must verify you are correct. Please, who do zou serve, friends?" His eastern accent is think, and you can tell that while he can speak the common Taldan with a degree of proficiency, he has not yet mastered it.

"Hail and well met, friend," Gunnar says as he walks down the gangplank, extending his arm to shake hands. "We are on an errand for the Venture-Captain, Amara Li."

"Well, well. Zou have answered correct. But, to be certain. Wha is the name of the vessel here?"

"This is the Laughing Crow, and she's dependable if not the swiftest craft."

Lol, if this was a table top game I'm pretty sure I would have failed those questions. Yay for post history. Wyran doesn't have anything to add at this time.

Wyran looks over the nomadic tribe in front of him, looking out for any suspicious activites.

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10

Sorry for taking so long been out of town and traveling a lot but back now

Vrock will keep an eye out for trouble as well
perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18

"Very good. I believe that zou are are the individuals we have been told to expect. However,. . . We can not give zou the incense. We have mixed the incense, but I am afraid we cannot give it to zou. As soon as we placed the herbs in the crates the Gokan woman left, a terrible storm fell upon us. Many of our horses and goats were scared away by the thunder, and one man was struck by lightning. It is clear to us - the Sky Spirits are displeased we would give the sacred gifts of the land to outsiders. Zou may take back the hides the Gokan woman traded us, but you may not take the incense." He saws with a sad countenance.

"But, I promised you hospitality, and I am certain that zou are weary from zour travels. Please, come ashore. Zou may stay here tonight in a comfortable bed. We have food."

"Sky Spirits, huh? Well, I'm what is known as a 'Sky Sentinel' by my people. Perhaps my friends and I can help. But first, we be happy to share a meal with you." The dwarf disembarks from the boat and shakes the man's hand.

"My name's Torean, friend. What's yours?"