SO Destiny of the Sands 1 (Core) (Inactive)

Game Master ScorchedOne

Farzinel, likewise, is surprised by Iago's forthrightness. I rarely find humans to be so... honest, the elf notes to himself. It is rather... refreshing. Let us hope that it, in this case, it is also wise.

"It is at the direction of the respected Amenopheus that we came to Eto. It was he, that I spoke with in Sothis. And it was he that directed us here..." offers the wizard.

Diplomacy (Aid Another): 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (9) - 1 = 8

"... in order that we may gain the information of which I had just previously spoke." Farzinel continues, not offering much in the way of help he realizes, but hopefully not bringing additional harm to the party's cause.

The bat remains in its hiding place, but appears to be growing increasingly agitated as if complaining:

The mouths on these two-legged creatures are so vast that anyone of them could swallow me whole! And yet there doesn't appear to be a useful word to be found within any of one them!

Despite the fact his allies' words are of little help... in fact no help whatsoever, the man understands the necessity that they have the item. "Very well, but put it away. I will not log it but if you are caught with it, I will say you hid it from me. You have amused me well enough, I have no need to trifle."

You are led into Eto, and come to the realization that you have no idea how to contact Grandmaster Torch.

Iago nods, grabs the crystal and places it deep in his pants. "Understood. Hopefully we meet again my friend! And if you could point in the direction of a decent Inn, I would be in your debt."

***Some time later***

"Ahhh... I love the heat of the desert. Not stifling. Just a nice dry heat. Like a bonfire, but without the smoke. Speaking of bonfires, heat and all that, how about we get to that inn, and go find our burn victim?"

Diplomacy (Gather Information:Where is Torch?): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17
Time it takes: 1d4 ⇒ 2hours.

Of course, this is after we settle down.

"Ahhh... I love the heat of the desert. Not stifling. Just a nice dry heat. Like a bonfire, but without the smoke. Speaking of bonfires, heat and all that, how about we get to that inn, and go find our burn victim?"

"I'm not certain how to go about contacting this, Grandmaster Torch." Farzinel replies.

The elf ponder for a moment, then offers, " I have heard that a Madame Zelekhati recently began hiring more workers at the Dancing Dunes..." The elf's eagerness begins to diminish as he realizes that his companions are not among his kin. "However, I hear she sends away most who don’t have at least some elven blood."

The elf ponders again, for a moment longer, then suggests , "I know also of Beggar's Alley, which I suppose may be a place to find contacts of the less... lawful... sort. However, most merchants recommend avoiding that part of town as it is home to a gang of pickpockets known as the Hundredfingers."

The elf ponders a third time. ”Given the scant amount of information that we have been given to go on…”, says the elf, ”… neither option appears to better than the other--though I much prefer the company of dancers to that of cut-throats.”

While struggling to identify a third possible avenue of contacting their informant, Farzinel imagines the possibility of the party being ambushed in Beggar's Alley by a gang of vicious killers bent on pure mayhem, slaughter, and destruction. His thoughts cause him to playfully offer a third, if ill-conceived, choice. ”Perhaps, we could simply let Thelm make good on his threats to set fire to the town and lay waste to it. Set one torch alight in order to ignite the interest of another, so to speak.”

"Farz, when I say I like the heat, I don't mean that I want to stay in the sun for days on end. And that's what will happen after they kick us all out."

The bat flies around the room in circles as if saying:

This heat is exhausting! This sunlight is too bright! And you two-legged creatures have accomplished nothing so far! What am I to do?

Iago, do you have any elven blood? You might look good on a stage with, well, less on. I recommend we start a Madame Zelekhati's if we fail to pick up a lead on this Torch fellow.

"Farz, when I say I like the heat, I don't mean that I want to stay in the sun for days on end. And that's what will happen after they kick us all out."

Farzinel offers only a smile in response. Humans, the elf muses. They are so short-lived that they aren't willing to take the time needed to carefully contemplate and consider all of the available options. Instead, when offered an idea that they think is “ridiculous”, they quickly reject it, dismiss it outright, or shoot it down immediately.

Noticing the winged creature circling overhead, Farzinel nods to it. "My apologizes, Kadri." he says. The elf reaches into his belongings and pulls out a crude perch fashioned from melted candles, which he places on the table.

After the bat lands on the perch, Farzinel covers it over with a black cloth. "Better accommodations will be coming, Little One. I promise. I just need to secure a bit more coin. Had I just a few more, I would be able to get you a new perch."

The elf next speaks a bit more loudly so that the others in his party may hear. Rather than make a request directly, like a human, or bluntly, like a dwarf, Farzinel chooses to pursue a more meandering, roundabout manner method of seeking a small loan. "Indeed, if I had just nine more gold coins, I would have enough to transcribe that magic missile spell I acquired in Sothis into my spellbook. I bet it would be of considerable benefit to any that I travel with and, of course, I'd be happy to repay the cost through my share of treasure or from the Venture-Captain's rewards."

With Iago's inquiries, you determine that Torch is likely at the House of the White Uraeus. Presuming you make your way there... Although its exterior is unassuming, the interior of the White Uraeus is richly decorated with panels of gold-veined marble and bubbling fountains in secluded courtyards. Cool breezes carry the scent of blooming desert flowers throughout the clean halls.

Two half-orcs keep watch outside one set of closed doors.

After a moment inspecting the visitors, they pull open the doors to reveal a tiled bathing chamber beyond. “Welcome to Eto, Pathfinders,” rasps Grandmaster Torch as he lounges in a steaming tub. “I didn’t imagine we would meet again under such heart-warming circumstances, yet the White Uraeus certainly knows how to make a traveler comfortable. What can a humble secret monger such as I do for you?” he asks as he leans forward in the tub and flashes a knowing smile.

Iago grins as he exclaims "Torch! You crispy keeper of secrets." Unabashedly, the Chel steps up to the bathtub and sits on it's edge. "Asking us what we want when you already know; you are so darn adorable when you do that." he adds, running his hand through the water. "Perfect temperature. Anyway. If we must tell you out loud, we are looking for the Diamond Sage. And other Sage jewels. So what do I have to do for you to give us the information and beat the other five competitors you've already promised the information to?"

Theld keeps pace with the team, sweating profusely, but without complaint or comment. Indeed, rare are the times the man offers more than a grunt. Here in the desert, little has changed. He welcomes the respite from the sun as they enter The House of the White Uraeus. He listens to the exchange with his typical dour silence. Considering Iago's direct approach, I like this one.

“Amenopheus may have overlooked the fact that he owed me several favors before I ever asked for his help, but I don’t mind extending a discount to repeat customers,” he remarks with a rasping chuckle as he snaps his fingers to summon one of his bodyguards, who arrives carrying a folded piece of paper. “Let’s see what’s on today’s schedule,” he murmurs as he examines the paper’s contents. “Yes, all of this will do. Consider this my price—all of these tasks completed to my satisfaction in return for what I know of the sages’ jewels. Do we have a deal?” He holds out the paper for you to review it. On Maps / Handouts page.

"There is...much to do here. Perhaps too much for the asking?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

Torch looks Theld up and down. "No, I think these are the price if you want what I have. Is it a deal, or is it time for me to re-evaluate or arrangement?"

Iago grabs the list and goes over it quickly, waiting for Torch's reply to the northman.

Glancing over Iago's shoulder to examine the list, Farzinel is struck by the tasks. "Grandmaster Torch," he begins, "We are members of the Pathfinder Society. The illegal trade in antiquities here in Osirian already makes it difficult for the organization to collect information and legitimately obtain items of interest. Some, if not each, of the tasks you have on this list, are of questionable morality and likely to put as at odds with the rightful authorities here in Eto. This one seems to call for the use of fraud or deceit... as does this one." The wizard points to the first and third tasks on the list.

"And this one seems to demand outright theft!" he says pointing to the second. "If you are as knowledgeable of our organization as I was led to believe, surely you wouldn't expect Pathfinders to engage in such... questionable activities."

Grandmaster Torch looks at his orc bodyguards. Then he looks back to the assembled group. He repeats this motion a few times. "Are you serious? I'm having trouble telling. The boys here aren't sure either, and they tend to know serious. If you don't want the information, then by all means don't do the jobs. If you want to know the information I have, you'll perform those tasks and quit griping. I have the goods, I make the prices."

This being Stormy's first encounter with the traitorous Torch Stormy stands back and shoots dangerous looks at the body guards and wonders of the legendary man will trade fairly with them. She says nothing.

Obviously, he does expect Pathfinders to engage in such activities. notes Farzinel.

Humans, the elf muses. They are so short-lived that they aren't willing to give the time needed to carefully contemplate and consider all of the available options. Instead, when offering an arrangement, they quickly demand a response.

Very well, Farzinel decides. If I must deal with humans, then I suppose, at times, I must be willing to conform with human norms. "At the risk of being bold, we agree to your terms. How much time do we have to complete the tasks and do you suggest that we accomplish any particular task first?" inquires Farzinel, attempting to move things along at a faster pace, as a human may.

Torch chuckles. Damn right, you agree. "You have as long as you need within reason. If it takes longer than a week, then other parties will simply have quite a headstart over you. I shouldn't think it would take more than a day or two."

Farzinel considers the list. Seeing that the first task involves an acadeemic , the wizard attempts to recall what , if anything, he knows of Lozar, the scholar's institution, the Sinomaki School of Sciences, and their expedition site, the Pillars of the Sun.

Knowledge(local): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20
Knowledge(history): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21

I suppose I will have to ask Theld to shed more light on the god, Khepri. he thinks, not looking forward to the prospect. Likewise, Farzinel did not look forward to having to deceive a fellow seeker of knowledge, but such was the mission at hand. Furthermore, success did not rule out an opportunity to exchange of ideas and information between the the wizard and the scholar. Who knows? the elf considers, after our discussions Lozar may even wish to become one of the Scarab Sages himself.

I've got my eye on YOU, Season 9 faction goal.

Well, there it is. All that hallway chatter... the things people get asked to do... it was all right. That's Golarian I guess. Or the Society, at least. If this is what I signed up for, I guess that's what I'll do.

Nowhere near as chipper as when the day started, Nitre seems much more focused, suddenly. She listens attentively and reads through the list when it's handed to her.

"I don't suppose you're going to tell us what this rod does, are you? And what else will we find in the cache?"

"What secret are we threatening Madam Zelekhati with?"

"How are we supposed to collect a message that's for your ears only? Bring the fellow to you?"

"Who's doing this job, me or you? Honestly, at this rate I'm going to have to tack on fees for wasting my time. Do the jobs. And get out of here, you're ruining this nice soak." Torch looks irritated at Nitre, thinking any dunce could answer those questions for themselves. They must be sending me their worst. This lot couldn't fall in a well and hit water.

Theld turns and leaves without further comment.

Religion: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24 For any Khepri or Pillars of the Sun related knowledge.

Farzinel turns to his companions and points to the list. "The first time two tasks would appear to be the most time sensitive. I suggest that we start with one of them."

"The first task, the one with the scholar Lozar, may benefit from prior planning, including spell selection, so we'd be better off approaching that task after the morning." notes the elf. "However, retrieving objects from a dry well, I would think, would not require much in the way of planning. The objects are likely too heavy for a mage hand spell to be of much use even if I had prepared it earlier today.”

Iago shrugs nonchalantly as he brings up the rear, turning back to Torch. "Please. Most of us here know you'll get more from this than you are getting in. So relax, enjoy your little bath and we'll do our best not to incriminate you by bungling around" he finishes with a wink.

As the group walks on out into the midday streets of Eto. "Alright, so that went about as well as I thought it would. So, where are we going? The dancing dunes sounds like a lovely place to go. And Stormy wants me to go there, get naked and dance for her entertainment; and who am I really to deny a lady what she desires?"

Having formulated what he believes to be a logical course of action, Farzinel, begins to outline it to his comrades upon taking leave of Torch and exiting the White Uraeus.

Farzinel begins. "I suggest that we start with the second task on the list as the other three could most likely benefit from spell preparation and prior planning. Also, that task would appear to be time sensitive as the items were apparently recently stowed in the dry well. As far as we know, the well is unguarded and, presumably, we have rope among us." he says looking for confirmation from the others. "With sufficient gear for climbing, all we need then to do is exit through the Sunrise Gate and head southeast until we come across the well. Assuming you humans can handle the heat of the sun, I think it best to try and locate the well during daylight, even if we hold off our descent until closer to nightfall.”

The cleric looks to the others before muttering, "Fine. Let's get to it already."

Dig the plan, and it makes total sense. Would the bat be able to fly the McGuffin from the well over the wall? We don't seemed built to smuggle very well.

Noting that Iago has rope, Farzinel concludes the party is adequately equipped to retrieve a rod from a well. "all we need to know is the wells location. Of it is too far away, then we may need to make additional arrangements to deal with the heat of the day and the chill of the night.".

Looking to at his familiar, the elf notes, "I think it wise to see if we cannot first spot the well from the air. If it further than a few minutes away as the crow flies, then we should plan for a night in the wilderness. Kadri is valuable, but not able to communicate well we exactly he sees. Stormy with her wildshape may be our best eyes in the air and also, perhaps, a smuggler over the wall should it come to that.""

Assuming no objections and that there is at least another three hours of daylight, Farzinel suggests the party walk from the gate towards the direction given for the well for an hour and, if it is not found in that time, that Stormy take to the sky for an aerial search. If the well cannot be found, then he suggests returning to Eto before dark and searching again in the morning.

Iago shrugs, looking to Stormy for assent or dissent. "We humans perform admirably under sunny conditions, provided there's wine. Or something like wine. If Stormy can't smuggle the artifact back in, can your animal friend carry our findings?"

Why must they prattle on? The cleric looks at the others talk in circles again before muttering, "Can we start...please."

I am good with all the planning, just keeping to the RP. Just let me know if I need to dial it down or change gears. I want it fun for everyone!

You make your way out of Eto. It doesn't take you long to find the well. Wild grasses hug the low walls surrounding the wide mouth of the well. The opening is 15 feet wide at the top but narrows to a width of about 5 feet at the bottom 30 feet below. Looking down, you are not able to see the artifacts which were advertised.

Iago grumbles: "I said "provided there's wine". Gods." as he looks over the edge of the well-lip. "You know, I am grateful that there aren't any acolytes of Zyphus among us. Otherwise, this could get messy." He secures the grappling hook to one end of the rope and secures it to the top of the lip. "I'll go first. If I don't make it out of here, just tell the wenches at the Pleasure Salon that they'll miss me more than I them. And I will miss them terribly" he finishes with a wink before climbing down to the bottom.

Let me know if I get eaten by something. Like a mimic well shaft.

Just a little smuggling, here, really. That's the only crime. But the other missions are... hmmm. Am I really cut out for the Pathfinder Society? We just go to these places and act by our own rules, as if the local law and custom doesn't matter.

Nitre is quiet during the march out to the well, as she was during the planning. Caught up in her own thoughts, she only really starts paying attention to things again when they arrive at the site and there's something to do again... a distraction.

As Iago begins his descent into the well, Nitre begins looking around the area for signs of tracks; if they couldn't see the package in the well, is that because somebody got here first?

Survival, track: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 4 + 1 = 17

Let me know if I get eaten by something. Like a mimic well shaft.

A mimic? Right on! A well? Then we can dig it! A shaft? Watch your mouth!

Looking down, you are not able to see the artifacts which were advertised.

"It appears that things are not going as well as Torch had led us to believe." Farzinel says playfully. As Iago prepares to descend, Farzinel casts detect magic and peers down into well.

Map is up. Not that there's any reason we might need a map...

Once Iago reaches the bottom he sees there is a small passage to a larger room. A dark pool fills the center of this vast chamber spilling out of its cracked basin. The trickle of water flows west through a short tunnel of rough-hewn stone and pools at the bottom of a collapsed well. Alcoves set in the walls give the illusion of staring at the flared hood of a cobra. Two altars face each other across the pool in the chamber’s northwest and southeast corners. A statue of a robed human male stands in the northeast corner, and what must have been its twin lies toppled in the southwest corner.

"What do you see down there, Iago?' echoes Farinzel's voice as he calls down into the well. "Can we get you anything? A sunrod? A torch? A dwarf with an innate knack for spotting unusual features in stone walls or floors?

"Only if the dwarf is buxom. In the meantime, maybe you should all come down here. I keep getting told my reports are missing just about everything that would make for an actual piece with academic value" replies Iago who steps on further in, activating his wayfinder to get a better look at the features of the cavern.

Knowledge (History): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18
Anything special about these buried ruins? Are they Osiriani? Or do they predate even that? Any indication of the Pharaoh under which they would have been built?

"Only if the dwarf is buxom. In the meantime, maybe you should all come down here. I keep getting told my reports are missing just about everything that would make for an actual piece with academic value" replies Iago who steps on further in, activating his wayfinder to get a better look at the features of the cavern.

Upon hearing Iago's response from down below, Farzinel glances over at Nitre, but decides not to pursue further that line of discussion.

Iago has found something!" Farzinel calls to the others as he removes his backpack and makes sure that all of his scholarly supplies are stowed away. "He thinks we should join him down the well."

Retaining only his weapons, light sources, spellbook, and flask of holy water, Farzinel sinches up his robe before proceeding cautiously down the hole using the rope Iago had set and bracing against the side walls of the well.

Upon reaching the bottom, Farzinel casts detect magic and surveys the chamber from the entryway, attempting to recall where he may have heard stories of such places or of similar manner of ornamentation.

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13
Knowledge (history): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17
Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13

Theld watches as the wizard eases himself down into the darkness. The cleric then follows suit. Maybe I will fall on him. The thought brings a rare smile to the Northman. "Heh heh."

Stormy, who still has a rope rigged as a harness for her cat responds. Lowering Shade down and then I'll follow. Not that I am any better at reports than you. Just don't touch anything before I get down there.

Between your various knowledges, you learn that a century ago, the water in the well fouled and all but disappeared, a phenomenon the church of Sarenrae traced to a local guide who secretly led a small cult of Apep. Church inquisitors rid Eto of the cult and sealed the well, never realizing that the shrine to the snake god existed at its bottom. A recent string of snakebite deaths has plagued the immediate area around the outpost, and the people of Eto avoid the area.

Between your various knowledges, you learn that a century ago, the water in the well fouled and all but disappeared, a phenomenon the church of Sarenrae traced to a local guide who secretly led a small cult of Apep. Church inquisitors rid Eto of the cult and sealed the well, never realizing that the shrine to the snake god existed at its bottom. A recent string of snakebite deaths has plagued the immediate area around the outpost, and the people of Eto avoid the area.

Farzinel shares with the others the useful knowledge that he has learned over time. Did he pick up anything with detect magic?

The elf then makes a inquiries of his own. "What do you know of Apep, Theld? Do you have any advice, Nitre, on how to avoid deadly snakes? Did anyone pack any anti-venom?"

The bat descends down into the well and lands on its master's shoulder, feeling much more at home down here than in the Osirian sun. It peers into the underground chamber.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

"While I might end up eating my own words, I don't think that the evil cults of the world keep in touch all that much. Sorry, misunderstood cults. My apologies" comments Iago wryly as he steps further in to allow the others egress inwards. "Truth be told, I am surprised that you aren't a little religiously inclined Farz. You wizard types tend to pick up new bits of knowledge like Drang picks up old gadgets."

Detect magic has not picked anything up, no.

Kadri the bat sees that it is nice and dark, cool, a bit damp. Basically perfect for a bat, I'd suppose.

ADDENDUM: It seems... unnaturally dark in here.

"Truth be told, I am surprised that you aren't a little religiously inclined Farz. You wizard types tend to pick up new bits of knowledge like Drang picks up old gadgets."

"My studies have largely focused on arcane matters, learning how the spells are formulated and putting them into practice. But, I have plans to expand my knowledge of religion very soon, perhaps within the next decade or so."

Noting the unusual depth of the darkness, Farzinel activates a sunrod and attempts to toss it about 20' into the chamber.