RD's Fangwood Keep (Inactive)

Game Master Rene Duquesnoy

The party arrived to the city of Tamran, capital of Nirmathas on a peace keeping mission. You provided escort to a small fleet of vessels carrying aid to the war torn country. The Nirmathi has been at war with their neighbors to the south, Molthune, for many years. You notice that a large wall around the city has collapsed, and bridges have collapsed throughout the city. Clearly, Nirmathas is on the losing side of this war.

Your instructions are to deliver these goods to Forest Marshal Weslen Gavirk, head of the Nirmathi rangers. The harbormaster directs you to a small fort just inside the city.

However, now we backup..

Take some time to RP meeting each other and such. The above was to just give you some flavor on where you start the module.

Seeing his new companions, Armun smiles and says, "Well met, Pathfinders! My name is Armun Govil, lately of Absalom. On this trip to Tamran, you can count on me for at least two things. The first is that I know some of the best tavern songs, and will sing them if you let me. The second," he adds, patting a quiver at his hip, "is that I will fill our foes with arrows, if needed."

The archer stands alert and eager to move, his chain shirt clinking quietly as he fidgets. He is an otherwise nondescript human, his pale complexion and dark hair implying a Chelaxian heritage.

"Of course, this trip will be smooth and routine, as well all know," Armun adds with a wink. "What of yourselves? Tell me all there is to know."

"Ah! A tshamek after my own heart!" says the giant burned Shoanti standing before you as he slaps you on the back.

He is covered in an eagle feather cloak and he carries a monstrous hammer, from which jut silver studs. His face is burned and no hair graces his head. But his eyes smile through the grotesque burned visage and he tosses the hammer about without a problem. When you look closely, you can tell the burns extend from his face down his bulging neck and beneath the banded mail he wears.

"I am Kelvor of the Shundar-Quah, or the Spireclan, in your words. I am Ambassador to the tshamek, Seeker of Secrets, Vision-Finder of the Dark Oracles. And there are two things you need to know about me: my earthbreaker strikes are both merciful and just."

The young man breaks into a smile. "See, I named each side of my earthbreaker. This is Mercy, and this <flip> is Justice. Get it? Merciful and Just?"

"Hah! Clever indeed. Let's hope there's no need to deliver mercy or justice," Armun says to Kelvor. He gives the big man's earthbreaker an considering look, seeming impressed.

"I, for one, would love a trip without complications. My most recent escapade for the the society involved more of the Cult of Razmir than I'd care to experience again." He spits at the memory.

Woops, posted with the wrong account. For the sake of continuity and clarity, here's a re-post with the right account

"Hah! Clever indeed. Let's hope there's no need to deliver mercy or justice," Armun says to Kelvor. He gives the big man's earthbreaker an considering look, seeming impressed.

"I, for one, would love a trip without complications. My most recent escapade for the the society involved more of the Cult of Razmir than I'd care to experience again." He spits at the memory.

"Well, Mr. Govil, I hope your experiences with this representative of the Cult of Razmir prove more to your liking."

"I am Pribam Pey, Acolyte of the Third Step, Priest of Razmir. I am pleased to meet each of you." Pribam bows slightly.

"Razmir generously permits me to call upon him to shield an individual from sight briefly, to cause fear of His wrath to chill the heart of a foe, to ask His balming embrace to heal wounds, to inspire us all with His holy utterances, and to communicate with all manner of intelligent beings."

"In addition, as an Acolyte of the Third Step, the Church has trained me somewhat in all areas of lore, including the identification of spells and magic items. I serve Razmir as an envoy to the Pathfinder Society and a diplomat."

"In an emergency, I have access to numerous items lent to me from the Church's coffers."

Pribam is a slender, pale and bald human male of Taldan descent. He wears the gray robe of an Acolyte of the Third Step. Around his neck he wears a golden collar bearing the mask holy symbol of Razmir and a delicate golden necklace with several golden spheres. On his chest, he wears a small silver brooch set with numerous tiny blue topazes. After speaking, Pribam dons an iron mask with pale gray lenses.

Five cracked stones of various colors circle Pribam's head, including one that sheds Razmir's holy light. The folds of his robe occasionally reveal wands resting in sheaths beneath each wrist.

"I have some knowledge of this area, as Razmir and the Church keep close tabs on events in the nations that line the shores of Lake Encarthan."

I ran this module over six months ago when it was first sanctioned. I don't really remember it, as I have judged a lot since then, but I assume parts will come back as we play. In any event, because I ran it once before, I have to keep mum on decisions about how to proceed. Pribam will just agree to whatever the majority wants to do when making those decisions, unless it's something obviously suicidal. If there's a split of opinion, he will abstain and let the sides work it out until a majority is reached without him.

"Heh! The priest! Well met, again, strange one," says Kelvor.

He stares as the man puts the mask on.

"Why the mask over your handsome face, priest. Surely you cannot think you are so ugly that a mask is necessary. Look at my face. It is terrible to behold, but at the same time a mark of honor and prestige to have been tested and survived a Burn Run on the Cinder Plains of Varisia. I fear not to show it. Why should you?"

"The mask is a sign of Razmir. It tells people that I speak and act not as a man on his own behalf, but as a Priest of Razmir in accordance with the directions of the Living God. It also keeps me and my fellow priests humble, reminding us that our accomplishments are really His accomplishments."

"Furthermore, this mask is set with deathwatch eyes, which allow me to perceive when allies require Razmir's aid and when foes are near death. They also distinguish between the living, the dead, and constructs."

"Ahhh. Interesting," says the young Shoanti. He then takes a breath and puffs his chest out. "But you will need no mask to determine when my enemies are dead. Their brains oozing between the studs of my earthbreaker is all the telling you will require!"

"Of that, I have no doubt. However, they quickly reveal whether a disguised foe is some sort of figment, a living being, one of the undead, or a construct, a difference that might help you decide whether to use your earthbreaker or another weapon."

"Speaking of that, do you have some means of making your earthbreaker fully effective against zombies, lycanthropes, demons, devils, or constructs, or do you rely on your strength to push through any resistance such creatures have?"

"I have some limited resources that I could expend to purchase scrolls of versatile weapon to ensure that earthbreaker can smash all skulls with equal effectiveness."

Pribam turns to Armun, "Sir Govil, you might benefit from such a scroll as well, and I suspect you could use one yourself. If I purchase one for the Ambassador, here, shall I also get one for you?"

"Pathfinders, I am also concerned about the threat of swarming foes. I had a particularly unpleasant encounter with swarming bats once in which no one was adequately prepared to fight them. I must admit, Razmir has not honored me with powers that can easily dispatch such foes, and experience dictates that earthbreaker, despite its mighty damage, can only injure a few such creatures at at time, rendering it ineffective. My necklace," he gestures to the delicate golden chain with gold baubles depending from it, "creates balls of fire that should do the trick, and my robe is studded with flame-forged steel such that it can protect me a bit from fire damage. However, I would rather not immolate you in the process of saving us from a swarm."

"Ah, you do not see through your mask well enough, priest," says Kelvor. He hefts his earthbreaker, turning it over, showing studs of cold iron Mercy.

"I saw that the fey have something to fear, Ambassador. However, I am concerned about the multitude of other threats that do not succumb so easily to cold iron and bludgeoning weapons, from skeletons to doors to demons."

"Ha! Doors! Skeletons! And, errr, demons," Kelvor says. "No door shall stand in the way of Kelvor of the Shundar-Quah!"

Armun eyes Pribam, clearly uncomfortable with the man. "It seems that some of my reports go unheeded. Lovely."

He stops, takes a deep breath, and adds, "Razmiran, the Pathfinder code of cooperation is the reason we continue to speak. One misstep from you, and I will string you up faster than you can praise your 'god'."

With that off his chest, Armun says, "I have an arrow for most monstrous challenges. Blunt arrows, cold irons arrows, what have you." Grudgingly, he adds, "I did encounter a swarm once, on a mission through the Verduran Forest, and my companions took care of that threat. I suppose an alchemical flask might be a worthwhile purchase."

Nothing personal, Pribam. It just happens that this character has had a pretty awful experience with Priests of Razmir. I'll try not to threaten your life too much... heh

Do not make light of devil or demon, friend. As if in reply to the barbarian's statement, a half-orc slowly limps toward the small gathering of Pathfinders. He wears an agile breastplate than has been newly crafted, perhaps even enchanted. A shield is on his back and you can count a crossbow and a pair of morningstars among his weaponry, one obviously cold iron and the other likely enchanted at the same time as his armor.

I am called Narvik Drak, an Oracle of Bones. I have just arrived from Mendev and the Worldwound after completing a couple of missions there on behalf of the Society. Things are not well in that area of the world. However, I was summoned here to the Fangwood to assist you fine people in a new quest. I have great confidence that our association will be a successful one. I can only hope I will be able to assist you in some way.

The oracle then looks to both Armun and Pribam. Put your differences aside. I believe that there is reason to have an understanding of all of the gods and deities our our world. Take time to learn something from those you encounter and take away that which is positive. I'm sure this encounter with a man of Razmir will be much more beneficial that your last.

I never really had time or reason to come up with much of a story/personality for this guy so we'll see how he develops.

"Gentlemen, I assure you, the Lord of the 31 Steps has tasked me with joining the Pathfinder Society to demonstrate that He, His Church, and the Society share common goals and values and to foster a spirit of cooperation between the two. My task is to counter and clear up the recent disputes and misunderstandings. You will find me nothing but cooperative and helpful in this endeavor."

Pribam gestures with open arms, bowing his head reverently. "As a demonstration of His goodwill, I have been instructed to neither solicit nor accept donations from Pathfinders when providing healing to Pathfinders during this excursion!"

Bluff: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (15) + 13 = 28 regarding the alleged instructions.

I specifically made a Priest of Razmiran because I thought the roleplaying opportunities would be particularly juicy. I promise, there will not be any shenanigans on my part that will provoke disunity or intraparty conflicts. Feel free to play any prejudice or ill will toward Razmirans, recent storylines have certainly set those up. I won't take it personally.

"Pastor Narvik, it is a pleasure to meet you. I have not had the good fortune to adventure with either an oracle or a devotee of Pharasma before. I look forward to working with you and learning more about the Church of Pharasma on this mission."

"I'm afraid this assignment may not provide you much respite from your work at the Worldwound; you have been reassigned from one war zone for another. Nirmathas and Molthune have been in conflict for some time now."

Waiting on 1 more to join us before we officially start.

Armun listens intently to the inflections, body language, and general tone of Pribam's statement about not soliciting donations. Past experience doesn't lend well to the Razmiran Priest's statements.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17

"I'll believe it when I see it..."

I'm looking forward to the roleplay!

"Well met fellow pathfinders." calls out a grizzled older man with white hair and a white beard. He stands about 6’1' and is of slender build. He wears a long white tabad, about shin length.
"I apologize for my late arrival, a young whipper snapper needed to be taught his place." He spits off to the side.

"My name is Tarrow, of the order of the Crossbow." Tarrow twirls a heavy crossbow, obliviously custom built and well worn, with such ease that you can tell he has spent a long time with this weapon.

Tarrow moves with a grace that belies his age and height. He walks up to the group and turns to Kelvor "Nice hammer."

This is my first play by post game, please message me if I miss some point of etiquette-- you won't hurt my feelings. Looking forward to a great game.

Armun nods to Tarrow, a fellow bowman. "Order of the Crossbow, you say? Interesting. A shame we'll spend the trip to Tamran on a boat, else I'd suggest an archery contest. My longbow against your crossbow."

He pats the quiver at his side. "Perhaps after we arrive, there will be chance for a bit of sport."

Speaking to Armun "Indeed. I find contests of bowmanship a great way to pass the time on a sea voyage." He says with a slight smirk.

Stretching out his arm directly in front of him. "We can shoot across from bow to stern." Then switching to a throwing motion... "or we can have the crew launch refuse from deck for us to shoot. Like in the countries far to the south where they hunt the skeet bird."

"I hear skeet shooting is a discipline pursued by many a practiced bowman." Again with the twirl of the heavy crossbow and his head slightly tilted to the side... "What say we shoot for drinks?"

Greetings Tarrow. A pleasure to make your company. While I fear I'd have no chance in such a competition I would like to join in on the fun. Narvik retrieves his own crossbow from among his possessions, one made of darkwood that has seen some use. Just for drinks, of course. I'm sure I'll be no match for the likes of the two of you.

"Ha! Look priest, the peacocks will send their feathers into the air," says Kelvor with a slight grin and a almost unnoticeable lift of his earthbreaker. "Shoot! Shoot! Shoot!"

Slapping Narvik on the shoulder "Well met Narvik! As the barman always says " It does not matter if you win or lose, only that you drink while you do it!" "

"As for winning? Who knows? Sometimes Desna smiles and sometimes she weeps!

I have seen a giant felled by halfling, and stranger things still! That is a nice looking crossbow, Dark Wood is it not? May I? " Tarrow outstretchs his hand in the unmistakable gesture requesting to examine Narvik's crossbow

Don't laugh too hard, I'm sure it is not of the quality you would be accustomed to. However it has bailed me out a few times, I suppose. Narvik hands his weapon over to the crossbowman so that he may inspect it.

Tarrow twirls his heavy crossbow, and slings it over his back. Expertly takes the crossbow from Narvik. Snaps it to eye level and couple times, feels the weight of it. Balances it on two fingers to find the center of mass of the weapon.

Twirls it once, then a second time. "A fine weapon, masterwork qaulity, to be sure. This wood is very light and yet exceptionally stout."

"I have studied crossbows for a lifetime. I have seen crossbows of every size and every material. Fine construction and of shoddy make. Treasure this crossbow, it is truly a hero's piece.

"That being said it could use a little maintenance." He chuckles slightly not making fun of Narvik, but seemingly enjoying the conversation about crossbows, possibly remembering his past life as instructor. A time long ago, when he was a royal instructor, teaching new recruits the art of crossbow warfare. "We will have time while we are in field, I can show you how to break the machine and clean the machine. This crossbow will serve you well, and if properly maintained will outlast you no matter how long you live!"

Tarrow twirls the crossbow once more bringing the stock end up toward Narvik and respectfully hands the crossbow back to Narvik

Narvik nods to the instructor as he receives his weapon. I do hope we'll not need to put it to use on this trip, unlikely as it may seem.

The screen focuses on the 5 heroes' introductions on a ship, then clock wipes to present day...

You are back in the harbor of Tamran. Everyone is friends, and people completely forgot about poor Wilhelm.

And, in an upset, Narvik won the crossbow/archery competition. OK, maybe not, but he could have! We drink to the memory of... umm, why are we drinking again? Right! Because I won, maybe.

Anyone can roll a 1 and anybody can roll a 20. Hearty congratulations to Narvik for winning the contest....even if I did pull back a little. Wink wink. Lets Drink! Beside it's way a better party and a better story when the underdog wins, right Armun?

bluff: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (2) - 2 = 0

The ships cook, Ambrose Kroop, is excited to hear Armun's song about the brave bow versus crossbow battle...

Rene, I judged The Traitor's Lodge last night. May I apply that GM chronicle to this character this morning, or have we already started such that I shouldn't?

Kelvor watches the ranged peacock contest with interest, noting how professional the old man, Tarrow, is

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10

but largely unable to tell who really is the best bowman. Of course, the half-orc Narvik seems to have one. His bolt hit the skeet more than any other. But, bah! might as well just bring his hammer down on whatever threatens.

"Companions, before we begin our evening of drink, perhaps we ought to finish our task at hand. Let us find Forest Marshal Gavirk at this fort just inside the city that the harbormaster has directed us to. No doubt the Nirmathi will be keen to get these supplies."

"As the sages of the Shoanti trained me, 'Procrastination is opportunity's assassin. Finish first, celebrate later.' Let us finish, and then I shall buy all of us a round of spirits later."

"The Ambassador is eager to get to his work. Given the war, it may be that the Forest Marshal needs these goods right away. Therefore, I second the Ambassador's suggestion. Let us see the Marshal, if he will, at this hour. Then we can celebrate the contest and see what Tamran has to offer in the form of worldly entertainments."

@Pribam: Go ahead :)

Thank you. I will do it right now.

The party heads to the fort with a wagon full of supplies. There are a few guards at the front gate. One steps forwards. May I help you?

Okay, updated. Thanks, Rene.

Pribam steps forward, "Salutations, and the greetings of the evening to you. We have been sent to bring these supplies to the Forest Marshal. We apologize for the late intrusion. However, we were concerned that their delivery might be urgent, and we have just arrived. May we enter?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15 to persuade the guard.
Knowledge(local): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 12 to determine what the guard's rank is
Knowledge(local): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 12 to determine whether some form of remuneration (aka bribe) might be appropriate
Knowledge(local): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18 to determine what the Forest Marshal's opinion of the Pathfinder Society should be

I assume the attitude toward Priests of Razmiran is quite negative!

Ahh. Been expecting you. You can drop off the stuff at the quartermaster's place to the left. 'ppreciate it

Guard is a corporal. You don't know if he will accept bribes. You don't know how the FM thinks about the PF society.

"Corporal, although I am an Acolyte of the Third Step, I am also a Pathfinder, as are my colleagues. We are here at the behest of the Society and not on Church business. Thank you for your assistance."

The guard nods.

We head in, then, and look for the quartermaster's place on the left.

Armun breathes in the Tamran air deeply. "Back in Tamran again. It's good to be back. Last time I was here, it was to unearth corruption with a certain 'religion'," he says, casting a glance at Pribam. "We celebrated mightily. Some might still remember me. Once we finish our work, let's have a drink. I know just the place."

"Could you perhaps select a place where the crowd will leave me in peace, so long as I do not disturb them? I am not in the mood to brawl tonight. Unless it is your intent to provoke a fight for sport, in which case you may be able to persuade me."

"the Forest Bounty is a good place for pleasant people, raucous music, and their drinks are fair. Though I must say that, regardless of where we are, your presence will be noted. Still, it's less dangerous than most, and if you downplay your connection to Razmir... It should fine. I'll make it a point to stand out, if need be."

Armun pauses, and adds,"Don't give anyone cause for trouble."

"I will be as discreet as my faith permits."

Inside the compound, you see a few guards dressed in training gear sparring with each other, while some more seasoned looking folk observe. To the North, there is a large barracks with many soldiers milling about. To the West, you see what is probably the command building, as it is the largest tower and has the best views of the surrounding area. To the east, you see a few carriages and crates to the side of a smaller building. You guess it belongs to the quartermaster.

You make a bit of small talk with the QM, mostly praising Narvik's skill at the crossbow. The grunts unload the wagon, and the Quartermaster tells you that you have rooms in the inn Ranger's Lament.