Test of Tar Kuata (Inactive)

Game Master Baerlie

Please dot if you are ready!

And don't forget to dot the discussion thread!

Hey

Hiya!

Ready!

Dotty dot!

Testing.

Sooooo... Dot!

Venture-Captain Norden Balentiir inclines his head in welcome as he opens the door and welcomes everyone into a modest office. "I’m glad you are on time — and with little to spare," he says as checks outside and then closes the door. "Your ship leaves soon, and I’ve taken care of the details." He places a neat stack of travel papers on the small desk and sits down. "I’m pleased that you volunteered to visit the remote monastery of Tar Kuata on the Society’s behalf. As you may already know, the Society seeks pieces of the Sky Key, a strange relic broken into multiple pieces by dwarves long ago. It seems one of the descendants may have found her way to Tar Kuata, and we believe the Ouat monks that also reside there still have a piece of the key. Travel there, meet with them, confirm our intelligence, and barter for the relic as needed. Do aim to be respectful; few Pathfinders have traveled to Tar Kuata, so you’ll need to earn the monks’ goodwill — and perhaps even pave the way for future collaboration. To that end, I am sending you with this." Balentiir lifts a heavy bag and adds it to the desk. "You may be familiar with bags able to hold more than seems possible, and this one is filled with grain. I understand Tar Kuata has had a poor harvest this year, and this should help you get off on the right foot in negotiations. Any questions?" Balentiir asks.

Using Blessed Infiltration on the Diplomacy roll.

Gather Information: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19
Gather Information: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14

"BRAWK! I've heard of bandits about in the area. There may be a chance for us to feed our blades before entering Tar Kuata."

"I see," Julian absentmindedly replies to Dexter's mention of bandits. Meanwhile, he opens the bag with rice and takes a peek inside.

Julian looks up at the Venture-captain. "Is this bag completely filled, or can we still add more items?"

Using follow up to roll GI twice.

Diplomacy + Inspiration: 1d20 + 15 + 1d6 ⇒ (20) + 15 + (5) = 40
Diplomacy + Inspiration: 1d20 + 15 + 1d6 ⇒ (6) + 15 + (4) = 25
Knowledge(history)+ Inspiration : 1d20 + 8 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + 8 + (3) = 13

"There have been no small number of bandit attacks recently. Perhaps taking care of that problem may be another way to earn the trust of the monks."

Aldur ponders the situation. "What language is spoken in the area? I assume the monks will speak common, but being respectful of the local culture can only help."

At last, here I am. Sorry for the delay!

Diplomacy (enhanced): 1d20 + 20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 20 + 2 = 30

Knowledge Religion: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

"Nothing to add at what was said before, except that a Sothan priest of Irori named Narmek Tar Kuata founded the monastery more than 3,000 years ago. It is among the oldest continuously used schools in Osirion."

Well, looks like we have no shortage of diplomats for this mission!

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Indeed! And Pierre can also use his Touch of Glory domain power to give a +6 in diplo :)

"We should be wary of the bandits. Scuttlebutt has it that they are the remnants of a cult of Rovagug, destroyed thanks to the fiery words of a priest of Sarenrae. They will have access to the divine powers of their brutal God."

Diplomacy (GI): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12
Knowledge (history): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

Zahir, a small, brown-skinned young man of Keleshite or Garundi origin, clad in a mithral chain shirt and carrying a few short swords, carefully listens to the Venture-Captain.

"Do you have any further information on the Ouat monks which you could share with us?," he asks him. "For example, which gods do they follow or how do they interact with foreign visitors? It might help us to get in touch with them."

"This bag is filled, no more items fit into this grain bag. The monks also speak Osiriani. Tge Iroran monastery of Tar Kuata is in southwestern Osirion. The monks are a contemplative order of dwarven monks who renounced their racial identity to focus on self-perfection. Technically, they are distinct from the other monks in Tar Kuata, but the two groups work together so closely that it’s hard to tell the difference. They are austere but polite, and I have already contacted them to let them know representatives are on the way. They’ll be very hospitable, yet earning their respect will no doubt involve proof of your worth. Like most who follow the Iroran faith, the monks of Tar Kuata no doubt value knowledge, discipline, and self-perfection." Balentiir answers the questions.

"Seems clear enough."

"Ready to go?" Julian asks his allies.

"Ready as ever. Brawk!"

Buying 5 javelins on the way out of town.

As soon as Balentiir finishes his last words, a rustic redheaded woman enters in the room, accompanied by a large and austere wolf, without worrying if someone would find it bad that her pet was there.

"Hi. I'm here for the mission", she greets without look at anyone at face, unless the Venture Captain.

"Is this all? Can we go?", she asks the others after they tell her what consists the mission, with Leryn always close to her, licking its paws.

I'm late, but now I'm active! Let's play a good game, guys! :)

The tall taldan who spoke earlier coughs lightly and says "I apologize, I forgot to introduce myself. I am Pierre Viret, holy servant of the glorious Iomedae. I hope everything will go well!"

Aldur bows formally, sweeping a leg back in courtly fashion. His mall covers his face, but his voice is a deep soothing baritone. "Aldur Sanvell, of the M'Wangi Expanse, at your service."

The tengu bows gracefully to the group. "Dexter Rose at your service. I should inform you that if we should encounter foes in our journey, my personal code requires that I attempt to resolve our conflict peacefully first. If that fails, only then will I practice my devotion to Father Skinsaw."

Julian points a thumb at himself. "Julian Keenens."

"I'm not much for the subtle approach, Dexter, but do it if it's your thing. That code part of anything other than yourself, by the way?"

Aldur's eyes, the only part of his face visible behind the mask, blinks at the mention of Father Skinsaw. "A personal code of peace, and a follower of Norgorber? You are a most interesting riddle, Mister Rose."

Kn. Religion DC 10 (untrained): 1d20 ⇒ 5

"Norgorber? What is this? A god? A cult? An organization? And how do you know that Dexter is its follower, masked man?", asks Adowyn, intrigued.

"My code is my own. I choose not to deny Norgorber's impulse within me, but also to direct it where most appropriate. The Society offers me that opportunity."

With all questions answered you leave the lodge and travel to Tar Kuata. After a tiring, days-long journey, you reach Tar Kuata in the morning. At the base of a high mountain valley, the monastery of Tar Kuata perches atop a rocky outcropping that overlooks a tiny village and terraced fields. The steep cliffs to either side shelter the small structures from the wind, and a tall, thin spire towers over the settlement.

When you reach the monastery a young monk approaches you. Her hair is shaved and she wears a beautiful robe in teal, yellow and red. "Welcome to Tar Kuata. I assume you are the Pathfinders? You are already expected. My name is Menkha Helg. I hope you had a relaxing journey." she greets you.

"I didn't get to kill any bandits on the way," Dexter grumbles under his breath. Then he speaks up to address the woman. Is she Dwarven?

"A pleasure to meet you, madam. Our journey was long, but provided much time for quiet contemplation."

Pierre bows and gives the woman his best smile.

"A pleasure indeed! I'd be more than happy to visit such a wonderful place..."

yes, she's dwarven

Aldur greets her formally, mirroring her formality.

"It is a great honor to meet you, Sister Helg. I am Aldur Sanvell, a representative of the Pathfinder Society. I have heard fascinating things of your order, and I am looking forward to observing your wisdom."

I'm going to guess that because they've renounced their racial identity, they would prefer not to be addressed in Dwarven.

After being ignored by Aldur, Adowyn shrugs and continues in her way.

When they arrive, she greets the female dwarven with a head shake, then tells her: "I hope you don't have problems with animals here", she smiles to Leryn before get back to a straight face.

After being ignored by Aldur, Adowyn shrugs and continues in her way.

Ha, sorry, missed that!

"Norgorber is one of the gods, and Dexter is one of his followers. Anything other than that, it is not my place to reveal."

"Indeed, the first rule of Norgorber is that you don't talk about Norgorber."

"Whatever...", Adowyn murmurs.

Julian puts his hand up to greet the monk. "Hi. I'm Julian."

He looks at his allies while he lowers his hand, then decides to add, "Pleased to meet you."

"Welcome, Aldur of the Pathfinder Society. Welcome, Julian. You will not only have the chance to observe our wisdom, you will very soon get lessons and test your skills if you want to. In the afternoon you are going to meet Itephta, our leader, to discuss your business. In the meantime please feel free to explore the village and join me and several other monks for a modest lunch in the Pahmet Heiths." Helg says.

Arwyn does not seem to care much about Helg's invitation for lunch, but she remembers the instructions given by Norden and tries to show the maximum possible respect.

Without straying too far from Leryn and the other Pathfinders, the hunter follows the female dwarven through the monastery.

Pierre smiles warmly and follows the dwarven monk to lunch.

"Yes, lunch sounds lovely!"

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"Food's always good," Julian says jokingly. "Lead the way."

During the next few hours the monk observes your behavior. She wants to know if you can maintain your composure and how you measure up to the dwarf's tough standards of character.

It's now time for skill checks: I need a Diplomacy, Knowledge (nobility), or Knowledge (religion) check from each of you. You may get a bonus for good roleplay.

"I see you are all very disciplined in your lives. You must work hard to control your baser instincts."

Blessed Infiltration to roll twice.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

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Zahir is far from having high standards of character but will try his best to maintain his composure, listen carefully to the monks without speaking too much and regularly bow his head.

If it's possible, I will take 10 on Diplomacy for 20

Using touch of glory and enhanced diplomacy:

"What a pleasure it is to meet other cults. I, for a cleric and even at my age, is pretty happy to learn more about places of worship other than the places I'm used to!"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 20 + 6 + 2 = 46

Diplomacy: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (6) - 2 = 4

Julian realizes the monk's observing him, but he has no idea how to behave the way he's expected to.

"Nice food you've got here!" he practically yells while eating. "Hahahaaaaaa!"

He realizes he's probably not doing what he's supposed to and shuts up.

Diplomacy: 1d20 ⇒ 4

Definitely, this was not a suitable place for Arwyn and Leryn. As usual, the hunter remained isolated from the others, while conversing with her animal companion, without giving much thought to the monks, after all, she knew that if she had to deal with some of them, she could end up talking some nonsense, she was never good to deal with people. When somebody looks at her, she just turned her head and continued to entertain herself with Leryn.

Pierre, the god of diplomacy is saving our asses. =P

Not god, only his humble servant :D
and by the way Pierre Viret is based on a real person, a protestant theologian of the XVIth century. ^^