PbP Gameday 2: 4-14 My Enemy's Enemy Tier 3-7 (Inactive)

Game Master Kobash

Dot away.

Dot.

Dotting in character now...

Tag!

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Dot

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dot

Hey Rah, just had a Carrion's Crown credit applied to Tess, granting her 3 xp, bringing her up to 9 xp total.

I'm having a brain fart. Does that make her third level using regular progression?

You start at 1st level and 0xp, so every 3 will add a level..

3=2nd level
6=3rd level
9=4th level

Roary's correct. You leveled up. Might want to consider taking a rank in Diplomacy. :)

Thank you...I thought that was right, but then I started second guessing myself!

Home of the noted Pathfinders Canayven Heidmarch and Sheila Heidmarch, Heidmarch Manor serves as the first Pathfinder lodge in all Varisia serving the Pathfinder Society as a base of operation for explorations into the rest of Varisia. Heidmarch Manor is located in Magnimar, the so called "City of Monuments", within the prosperous Alabaster District of the wealthy Summit area; the manor lies just north of the Triodea in neighboring Naos District. The Lodge contains all the usually amenities of a Pathfinder lodge some of it with a Varisian twist. As the lodge is also the residence of Canayven and Sheila Heidmarch, it contains their personal residence decorated with mementos of their earlier adventures ranging from Taldan suits of armor to the stuffed remains of fearsome monsters. The lodge has individual cottages for visiting Pathfinders each named after one of the ancient Thassilon realms that ruled over the land: Eurythnia house, Bakrakhan house, Shalast house and Haruka house. The actual lodge is known as the meeting house and a meeting room, lecturing hall, library filled with a big collection of Pathfinder Chronicles and essays on Varisian history and a showroom lined with ancient Thassilonian artifacts.

You have all been summoned to the manor by Venture-Captain Sheila Heidmarch for what was only described as "urgent Pathfinder business". The Venture Captain herself has not yet made an appearance, but a servant has said she will arrive shortly.

This is not part of the scenario, but a good place to set the scene. Go ahead and make introductions and we will jump directly into the scenario on the 5th.

A large Ulfen man walks into the lodge.. He's wearing a breastplate and sports a wicked looking curved blade across his back.. He looks weathered for his age and has many visible scars.. He moves and takes a seat at the table.. He catches the attention of a servant.. "Some food and an ale.."

Still gotta do some updates before we start, but ill get it done before friday..

Tess helped herself to a plate of grapes and cheese, seemingly everpresent in the locales of the Pathfinders. The elf nibbled for a few minutes and after cleaning her plate, reclined, pulled out two knitting needles and began knitting on a piece of cloth. "Making you a new coat, Zeriah," she cooed as she looked down to the tiny monkey sitting quietly beside her.

She looked up at the large man. "Impressive sword, young fella. Glad to see someone strong watching my back on whatever is to come," she smiled sweetly.

A hooded woman saunters into the cottage with a raven on her shoulder. Dressed in all black, she pulls back her hood to reveal long ebony hair, bright blue eyes and a youthful, but average human face. Her features suggest Chelaxian descent.

She glances at other two people present, nods briefly in acknowledgement, then sighs,"I hate waiting, it's why I'm usually late for things." The bird scoffs and she shoots it a dirty look.

Back in Varisia....ah, can't say I missed it. I hope Heidmarch doesn't have me babysitting again.

A tall, grey-skinned man enters the waiting room, blinking reflexively at the sunlight streaming in the window. From behind, an energetic goat pushes between his legs and into the room, heading straight for the food. The man lurches forward, grabbing the goat by its collar. "Hoh, Tertius, arretez! I will get you a snack."

As the goat makes itself at home on the couch, the man introduces himself, still squinting. "Greetings, mes amis, I am Gerard Dessedeux, from Galt! I am glad to be working with you!" He moves to shake hands with Roary, and kisses the hand of each of the ladies present."Enchantez, mademoiselles...

Interestant... two others with the bond to the beast! I may learn much from these ladies...

"Well, that's certainly a goat, isn't it," Tess smiles at the hungry animal. "Now Zeriah, don't misbehave," she chides, as she looks down at the monkey baring his teeth toward the goat, as he was in the act of throwing a grape at it. "No food fights, please."

Unimpressed raven familiar is unimpressed.

Rowanna herself, however, seems taken aback by the man from Galt, soaking him in with her eyes for a few brief moments before breaking herself out of the spell, "Charmed I'm sure." She replies to Gerard's introduction with sudden earnestness, "I am Rowanna and this is Morrey." The raven forces a weak bow.

Almost perfect, except for that goat.

"Greetings, Lady Rowanna, and to you, Morrey," Gerard replies. "Squawk rawrk ra'ark, Kaw kahr'ak!"*

To Tessara: "Do not worry about Tertius, he will behave. He is used to living indoors." Gerard glances to Zeriah with a half-smile. "And he will eat anything you throw to him, little monkey... be careful not to throw anything you want back!"

"Well Zeriah, isn't quite as well behaved as your...mount. She's still got a mischievious streak in her. I'm Tessara, by the way. Pleasure to meet you."

"So can everyone else." Morrey replies to Gerard in perfect Common with a chuckle.

"Forgive my raven, he's not used to being around others like him." Rowanna apologies with slight shrug of her shoulders.

"The pleasure is mine, Lady Tessara. And Tertius is far too stubborn to serve as a mount. He's only carried me once, in fact, when... " Gerard's face immediately darkens, his eyes tearing suddenly. He quickly fakes a sneeze to give him the excuse to rub his eyes quickly. "Ah, je m'excuse, I must have the allergy, please excuse me a moment." He quickly turns away and cleans his face with his handkerchief. No... do not go back there, Gerard...

"So, tell me, Morrey," Gerard composes himself quickly and steers the conversation away from his previous comment. "If you don't mind what is perhaps a personal question: Have you always been able to speak with humans, or is it a skill you acquired when you met Lady Rowanna?"

Morrey looks to Rowanna instead of answering.

"You seem awfully interested in my raven." Rowanna observes with a wry smile, "In the interest of fairness, why don't you tell us how you found your goat first. Tertius, you said?"

"Smells like a barn around here! Heidmarch's servants needs a flogging!", the others would here behind the door.

The Hawk strides in, grand and glorious in his new gear, he's even got his black and gold courtier's garb on to top - looking like he just stepped out of the playhouse as the lead role. His face is jovial, drawn white teeth upon a face used to smiling. Indeed, his self-written/acted/directed stage piece "The Hawk and the Dragon" has gained quite a reputation. He has even hired a personal troubadour on a rotation around the city to sing the tale of Haris Hawkson, the Undead Dragon Slayer.

"Oh-- there is a barn in here." Displaying his new prize, strapped diagonal in front of his loins, Haris shifts the centerpiece as to invite everyone to take a long gander. He greets the men with a showman's hand - like touching babies and groupies. First he spots Tessara, and was about to ask if he can touch her monkey, but then he catches the raven-haired women of many shared adventures. "Helllooooo, Rowanna!", ravishing her with his eyes, "You know, there is one adventure we haven't shared yet..."

A tattered tired figure of a man in desert garb slinks into the room and grabs a chair.

Greetings all. I see I am not too late.

Ok, that honestly was supposed to say 'Displaying his new prize - an adamantium shortsword', it was cropped off I sware!

"Greetings, gentlemen, and well met. We are still waiting for the lady of the house to arrive." Something about the way Gerard pronounces the word "lady" indicates he may have worked with Sheila Heidmarch before.

To Haris, noticing the careful display of the new shortsword: "A fine blade, sir. I am Gerard Dessedeux from Galt. Well met." He shrugs slightly to adjust the hand-and-a-half sword on his back. Nice blade, indeed. Does it come in mens' sizes, I wonder? Must keep an eye on this cad... such behaviour in front of the ladies!

To Badr: "Greetings, travelled one. I am Gerard Dessedeux, from Galt. Please, take a seat. Tertius, Baaa, baAAAH!" The goat looks up from the couch, gives a snort and shake of his head, and clambers off to curl up and Gerard's feet.

Let me know if the inner monologue is going too far... Gerard is a bit of a stickler for formality, and is unused to working with colleagues who know one another well. I can totally tone it down if it offends!

Returning his attention to Rowanna, Gerard's eyes darken again. "As for how Tertius and I met... I was part of the second team of Pathfinders sent to explore the Ruins of Bonekeep. The first team was lost, so of course our masters just sent more agents into the gates of Hell. I was ... young, then. Foolish. I did not think my comrades worthy of my friendship. They were all so new, inexperienced... and I thought I was better. I never even learned their names." Gerard pauses, takes a deep breath, and continues.

"One of my colleagues was a gnome woman, riding Tertius. As we travelled, she told us her life's story, and all about her goat. It drove us all crazy... you know how it can be with gnomes?" he half-asks, his eyes pleading for understanding.

"As we entered Bonekeep, we descended into a trap. The foes we fought... it is a tale better left untold. As the first of us fell, I called a retrreat, and stayed behind to cover the others, but the enemy swarmed over us like a red tide. I fell, mortally wounded, and knew no more. When I awoke, I was outside. The gnome had tied my leg to Tertius and sent him up the stairs. No one else got out." Gerard bows his head, mouthing a silent prayer. "Tertius saved me, and this experience has forged a bond which cannot be broken. It is as simple as that."

I for one love inner dialogue. It's one of the reasons I enjoy PbPs so much. You get to experience so much more with characters.

Roary watches the petting zoo with a dismissive look on his face.. "Great.. More animal lovers.."

The big man finally stands up from the table.. "Names Roary.. Well met to you all.. And your critters.." He pauses and looks at the goat.. And then to the goat leg he's hold and has half eaten.. He shrugs.. "I guess they all can't be pets.. So whens this show getting started.. These dam VC's are always late.."

Rowanna's smirk fades as she lays eyes once again on Haris, "Oh hello, Hawk. It's...nice...to see you again." She says with little commitment, "I'll have to pass, I have enough adventure in my life already."

She then listens to Gerard's tale, "Mmm, I can safely say that's the first time I heard a story of a goat saving someone's life. That would definitely explain things."

Figures it was a gnome's goat.

"Well, I can't see Zeriah doing other things than causing a problem, so you've got the better end of the deal, I think."

"You just might change your mind", Haris smiles untarnished, "Perhaps if I were to get a pet too?".

A door opens and Venture-Captain Sheila Heidmarch enters the room. She nods to each of you as she crosses to a window and looks out at the city.

"Magnimar owes much of its economic good fortune to its thriving port, the Dockway." She begins without immediate explanation of the purpose for the meeting. "Tradespeople from every social class do business throughout the Dockway district at all hours of the day and night, and the unfettered flow of goods provides Magnimar with a reputation as one of Varisia’s most essential trading centers. Though the salt-stung citizens of the Dockway are notorious for rascality, a few coins put in the right hands ensure that losses to theft are negligible. Unfortunately, a recent spate of violent robberies has upset the delicate balance between Magnimar’s criminal element and the merchants who rely on the Dockway for their livelihoods. Priceless relics, art objects, and culturally significant items from across the Inner Sea region have been taken in the series of thefts. Worse still, clues found at the crime scenes suggest that the party responsible for the recent crime wave is affiliated with the Pathfinder Society. We must resolve the situation lest the Pathfinder Society’s reputation become permanently tarnished."

Shiela looks to your group. "Another robbery has just occurred and I would like Pathfinders to look into it. Rather than tell you details secondhand, I ask that you go to the scene of the crime, a flower shop called Dryad’s Trousseau, and begin your own investigation."

After a walk through Magnimar...

It’s a cold twilight in the Dockway, and the salt-sprayed streets still teem with activity. A young city guard stands outside an ornately decorated storefront, the window frame adorned with baroque carvings of wild vines and flowers.

The guard speaks: “Oye, Pathfinders. Glad you all came so quick. Here’s the latest place robbed, this afternoon by a group dressed like your lot. The shopkeep is laid up in the flat upstairs—his landlady’s taking care of him. She thinks it was Pathfinders, too, but I talked her into speaking with you.”

The young man knocks on a narrow door to the right of the shop entrance. “Look, I know you Pathfinders are all right. Cap’n Heidmarch’s done good in this city, so I’m happy to help you start sortin’ out what’s behind these crimes. But public opinion is goin’ south. The sooner you figure out who the guilty parties are, the better. Good luck.”

As the guard departs a scowling elderly woman opens the door. “Right. You come to explain why your gang beat up poor Mr. Chert?”

"Now madam, I can guarantee Pathfinders did no such things. However, if you'd allow us to examine the scene of the crime, we might be able to figure out who did. I've got a bit of the healing touch...if Mr. Chert would be agree to tell us what he's seen, I might be able to fix him up right away, as well."

False Pathfinders? I have had occasion to come up against such before and some are from a group that is our opposite... The Aspis.

Before entering the flower shop, Rowanna gives the following commands to Morrey, "Wait on the roof and act like a normal bird until I come out. If you see anyone aggressive waiting outside or entering, crow three times in quick succession." The bird nods and takes wing to follow her orders.

Once inside, she crosses her arms casually and lets the others do the talking for now. She isn't exactly a people person.

The woman scowls at your group, her old face sucking in like an dessicated prune. She isn't convinced yet of your intentions, and Rowanna's chat with her raven doesn't improve her attitude. But Tessara's offer of aid seems to soften her slightly. "Not sure I should be letting in those rumored to have done the crime. Might just be here to quiet him up for good."

Diplomacy checks please.

Gerard flinches at Badr's mention of the Aspis Consortium. Could it be...?

"Greetings, my lady. I am Gereard Dessedeux, Pathfinder and Lamplighter. I can assure you that no Pathfinder is capable of such wanton thuggery. Please be assured we mean you no harm, and we seek only to discover who has besmirhced our Society's honour."

Diplomacy 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12 for prior post.

Rowanna spoke to her raven outside the shop.

"Honestly, we are just here to bring the real culprits to justice." Rowanna speaks up in Tessara's defense, perhaps not very convincingly.

Diplomacy (Aid Another): 1d20 ⇒ 8

The woman was at the door, looking outside at the group. Also, you weren't really invited in, and so Rowanna's diplomacy is probably pretty accurate for the situation since she sort of barged inside. Personally I think it's kind of funny.

I'm not too concerned about it as long as it isn't adding further negatives to our already diplomacy impaired group.

She's already unfriendly, so it's not really making things worse. It just isn't helping, other than to give me good material to react to.

Giving Badr and Haris time to post before moving on.

Badr gambles knowing diplomacy isn't his forte but thinks that it would be the strength of the big mouth play writer.

I am sorry for your losses. Here is 10 gold coins so that you may at least eat this month while you rebuild your business. I know my friend here may have questions that may help us hurt the people that did this.

Aid another diplomacy for Harris 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (3) - 1 = 2
* not sure what the 10gp will do.

Well the dice are not our friend

"Now look here-", Haris begins but realizes the old buzzard was not going to budge, deciding better to go outside, and...

I rolled a crappy 6+2 Diplomacy, dont know why it didnt stick