The Forgotten God (Table 1) (Inactive)

Game Master Rednal

As Hadran comes back to his senses he will head topside and help get people back in the boat as well.

800 XP each. You're almost level 3, and may want to start thinking about how to upgrade.

Before long, you've managed to save as many people as you could, though the ship is slightly less crewed than before. The captain looks more than slightly unhappy with the way things turned out, and looked at the retreating bird for a long moment. "...First thing I'm doing in Absalom is hiring a bloody bard. This is getting ridiculous." he growled. "All right, you lazy land-lubbers, get back to work! The sooner we're out of here, the less likely it is she'll come back with friends!" That certainly motivated the crew, and the vessel quickly began to move at full speed towards the city at the center of the world. A few hours later, you could see numerous other vessels appear on the horizon, all heading towards or away from a truly magnificent city. It wasn't Katheer, with its tall spires and golden roofs, but while that city gave off an air of being almost aloof and unconcerned, this city was clearly one where people truly worked and lived.

Closer to the city, the ship slowed to a crawl as a local pilot was brought out to guide the ship through the maze of wrecks that protected the harbor. The captain grumbled, but these were expected fees, and the ship finally stopped completely as it came to rest by one of the docks. Now, what did you want to do now that you were here?

Alright Grond, we are here. Lets go find a inn and a room, then I can see whats going on in this place.

After finding a room Hadran spends the afternoon asking around about artifacts and other items of power fishing for any leads or stories.

Gather Information: 1d20 + 11 + 1d6 ⇒ (7) + 11 + (5) = 23 Will surge it.

Grond follows Hadran about the city, trying to get a grasp on the sprawling metropolis. As Hadran begins working to gather information he does what he can to assist in effort...
aid another (diplomacy): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
but proves unhelpful

Absalom is one of the largest metropolises on Golarion, and countless powerful items rest in its vaults. Most of those are unknown to the public, but you have heard rumors of a man struck by a strange chill - and from what little he's been able to say, it sounds as if some item of significant power is involved. The victim may not have too long to live if whatever's afflicting him isn't stopped, and a reward has been offered to anyone who can successfully resolve this problem. It's not clear if this is a godly item or not, but it might be worth following up on. Of course, there are always more things to do in Absalom - if this doesn't seem like something you want to do, there are plenty of other jobs available.

Interesting prospect here Grond. I think we should do what we can to help this man regardless of the item. If it did this to one man whats to stop it from doing it to others? What do you think?

I don't remember having any chilling powers, though my memories of my life as a god are somewhat hazy... but perhaps in the process of helping him we will find opportunity to test and develop our abilities... we certainly aren't going to regain any power sitting in Inns doing nothing. Where do we start?

After a bit more questioning, you're able to get directions to a man who can provide more information.

A little while after you make your way to the indicated tavern, a huge man wearing creaking leathers marches into the room. He looks at each of you, as if he were appraising a handful of gemstones freshly pulled from the earth, and nods curtly. He was named earlier as Adril Hestram, a longtime citizen and rumored to be the unwitting architect of the
famed Katapesh slave riot of 4702. Adril’s physique puts most half-orcs to shame.

"Welcome, friends. I have a problem, and you might be the solution. Skelg the Ripper came to Absalom one month ago. Like many Ulfen warriors he joined the Longaxes, the Taldan Emperor’s personal guard whose duty it is to protect the embassy and Taldan visitors. Skelg also dropped a hefty sum of gold to purchase a manor in the Ivy district, something a Longaxe isn’t paid well enough to do. It is widely assumed that he brought most of his wealth with him from the north — a rumor I know to be true."

"It seems that Skelg also brought a curse with him. In his letter to me, he speaks of lying abed in this miserable summer dying from the cold. Neither physician nor priest has been able to cure his ailment, and there are no signs of disease or poison. Of course, for such a man, there is no greater dishonor than to die in bed instead of in battle."

"Normally, we'd just monitor these events and let the authorities deal with them. However, there are three factors that have drawn our interest. First, Skelg is himself a member of my organization and has asked for our help, which we are honor-bound to give. Second, he is a personal friend of mine, and finding a sparring partner as worthy as Skelg to replace him would be a trying task. Last, he claims that artifacts of great power are involved, and that we may be able to recover them."

"We view this situation as having enough importance to hire some help to investigate it - most of our better personnel are out on jobs at the moment. Go to the home of Skelg the Ripper, learn what you can, and do your best to help him. If you find an item that is somehow connected to the curse, either retrieve it and bring it back to me or glean as much information as you can about it. You'll be paid well on success, and can keep anything extra you find along the way so long as it's yours to take."

"Any questions?"

Artifacst of great power? What makes your friend think this. Is he in a state that will be helpful and able to answer questions? Has he told you of these artifacts? Did he have them on his person. Did he adventure somewhere and touch something he should not have. I understand if you do not know any of this, but it will ease your friends burden if you can tell us all you know so he can use his strength to fight instead of answering questions.

"He hasn't been able to say very much - too sick. You'll have to ask him for more information, but I don't believe he's currently in possession of them. He would've handed them over by now."

We will do what we can for your friend. We are new to the city. Is there someone that can show us the way to the house?

"Aye, though it's not so hard to find." Adril said, explaining the path you'd need to take to get to your destination. There were plenty of people who'd be willing to escort you for a few copper coins, too, should you find yourselves lost in the bustle of the grandest city in the Inner Sea.

"That sounds easy enough. Has anyone touched him? Is the effect contagious or only affecting him?" Grond asks before setting out for the stricken man's manor.

Thus far, whatever was ailing him didn't seem to be spreading to anyone else. Given the peculiarities of the case, it was impossible to guarantee that wouldn't change... but for now, he seemed safe to approach.

A good question indeed, we wouldn't want to risk exposure. Has there been any unsavory sorts around any strange characters that he has come in contact with?

Not that he's aware of - you'll have to ask the sick man himself if you want answers to questions like that.

Weaving his way through the bustling streets of Absalom, Grond follows the directions to the stricken man's manor. Turning to Hadran, he asks "Do you want to do the talking? You're better at... and I don't want to risk saying something that reveals I've been unconscious for thousands of years..."

Thats fine friend, but I value you wisdome as well. So please speak up if you have questions.

The two continue to the manor house

Parkview Street is true to its name, running the entire length of the Ivy District park. Standing like a tomb in a flower garden, Greydog Manor - your destination - is easy to find. Six-foot-high walls surround the massive, stone building and an immense iron gate flanked by granite statues of hunting dogs stands open, offering access to the interior. Looking along the street, it is clear that locals give the estate a wide berth. The stone walls seem to give a slight chill to the air, which is not entirely unpleasant on such a hot day. You could go through the front gate, or climb up the walls to look inside - or even try to get into the building without being seen if you really wanted to.

Lets go through the front, no reason to cause a scene. We are here on his friends behalf anyways. Though I doubt he has any servants that remain the way the locals act going around this place. I will anouce us as we enter.

After speaking to Grond, he and Hadran go through the front gate and then enter the main door of the house.

Skelg... I am Hadran, I am here with my friend Grond. We come on the behalf of Adril Hestram. We are coming to you. We wish to help.

After that the two head toward the room in which he rest assuming we were smart enough to ask, or we search for him.

The courtyard is cool and shady compared to the street outside. Dead leaves are scattered across the flagstones and the granite steps where two Ulfen warriors stand, barring your way into the house. Each man wears a chain shirt and a surcoat bearing the Taldan crest and carries the traditional imperial guard long axe.

The guards look at you sternly, and one of them speaks.

"Skelg is ill. He wants no visitors."

"We knew he was sick, we came to offers prayers and blessings..." Grond answers then as evidence he utters a blessing using animal blessing on self, and activating animal focus (bull) as he moves up to the guard casually, not aggressively.

Adril sent us to check on him, we are aware he is a longaxe and I would protect one of my own as well, we are simply here to help and assist. Please escort us to him.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (3) + 11 = 14

The dice roller hates me so bad some times.

"He's decided that he wants to die in peace." The other guard said curtly. "You ain't even one of ours - bugger off." To make his point a bit more clear, he rested his hand on the hilt of his weapon - not obviously threatening just yet, but he was clearly willing to use it if he thought that was necessary.

Without any warning Grond rushes the guard who is not yet touching his weapon and attempts to take a bite out of him... partial charge in my surprise round

attack vs ff: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16, for: 1d8 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

took me by surprise... This is a new day from the Harpy attack right? I know I surged once on gather info. Just updating stats.

Init.: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

initiative: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

Yes, it's the next day.

Initiative (Enemy): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16

Grond rushes the enemy, catching the man by surprise and literally biting into his flesh. The guards react faster than Hadran - who seemed to have been caught by surprise here - and the bitten one lets out a yell even as the two of them fly into a rage, step around to flank Grond, and swing their greataxes at him.

Melee: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19
Melee: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29 for Damage: 1d12 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13
Crit Confirm: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8 Hah, no. XD

The bitten man missed, but the other warrior managed to slam his axe into Grond's back. The fallen deity did manage to avoid a critical blow, but it was a fairly nasty strike all the same. "Get out of here unless you want some more!" the warrior roared.

I actually beat their initiative too, so I should have gotten another round of attacks before theirs... It won't affect the one who actually hit me though...

round 1, while they're still flat-footed
Grond continues his assault against the unprepared 'guard'...
claw: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13, for: 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
claw: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13, for: 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
bite: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19, for: 1d8 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

"Hadran, these men are no longaxes- to arms!"

round 2, after Hadran's round one but before the fake guards round 2
Grond shifts forward next to the wall where it will be difficult to flank him and tears away at the no longer flat-footed enemy...
claw: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15, for: 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
claw: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26, for: 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13
bite: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16, for: 1d8 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

Fake or not they are men. You can't go around murdering people because they are in your way.

Round 1: Hadran steps forward and flanks the bitten guard he raises his blade and crashes down on the man turning it at the end so the impact is not leathal.

Attack: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28
Damage: 2d6 + 11 ⇒ (2, 4) + 11 = 17 Non Leathal w/ Arcane Strike

Show mercy here Grond or you will face the mundane laws for murder. You attacked unprovoked.

You are great for redemption, who would of thought I would be the voice of reason :)

Remember my way of doing initiative - inbetween each of the enemy's actions, you can go once, and the order doesn't matter. It's first-come, first-serve there. That said, you didn't get a surprise round, Grond, as they were entirely aware of you. So the order here would be Grond -> Guards -> Both of your Round 1's -> Guards -> Both of your Round 2's.

Grond was quite busy mauling the unfortunate guard, though both of his claws just barely missed the man. His teeth were a bit more accurate, dropping the man unconscious (though not quite killing him). Hadran swung out a moment later, easily connecting with the second warrior, who howled and swung his axe again, aiming to bash it into the wild warrior who'd simply jumped straight to violence.

Melee: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

It whistled harmlessly through the air, and Grond promptly mauled the second guard as well. Both men were bleeding out now, and would likely die if not given medical treatment of some kind.

oh, ok- sorry, had I known I would have just full attacked in the first round (when I thought it was the surprise round).

Grond seems surprised at Hadran's objection and replies, "These men are impersonating what seems to be some kind of important guards, attempting to deceive us, and trying to prevent us from helping someone... why do your laws protect them?" While he speaks he crouches down, tears bandages from their clothes and attempts to stop their bleeding.

heal: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
heal: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

Frowning at his poor attempt, he asks Hadran "Do you have any skill at this?"

We should probably drop the other one before you go all field medic.

The laws are not mine, you attacked unprovoked and unwarranted. Words would have found out what these men are.

Don't want to say too much in combat :)

Hadran takes a wide birth of the two and comes behind to flank the second guard.

Attack: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22
Damage: 2d6 + 11 ⇒ (6, 6) + 11 = 23 Non Lethal w/ Arcane Strike

It whistled harmlessly through the air, and Grond promptly mauled the second guard as well. Both men were bleeding out now, and would likely die if not given medical treatment of some kind.

"Calm yourself, friend" Grond says as it takes Hadran a moment to realize the threats have been neutralized... "I believe I could summon the power to heal them but it may return them to consciousness too... and you said to use as little power as possible... so, do you have some means of stopping the blood?"

woops, failed my perception check :)

"When I speak of power Grond I refer to what makes us who we are. Lots of mortal have power, some divine from their gods, some arcante either through natural ability or learned. What I mean is don't stand out with the abnormal. Your leaping ability is far beyond what a man can do, but your shape changing is in the realm of what druids and rangers can do. Using your power is fine, but it needs to bu subtle. Like when I enhance my weapon to shoot at the Harpies from the naked eye it just seemed I was a better shot then I lead them on to believe. The one I hit will be fine, he will wake up in a few hours. Lets see if we can stop this ones wounds."

Heal Check: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22

"There now lets meve them inside and see about finding Skelg. We will talk later when it is ok to attack without warning. There is no Glory or Valor in besting those that are less than you my friend."

"Then there will likely be very little glory or valor for me in this world," Grond replies. As they head inside with his teeth and claws still looking longer and sharper than usual he adds, "and if you want to explain when not to attack people who are trying to deceive us and very likely to attack us without warning you should do so quickly."

Grond drags the 2 unconscious men inside to relieve some of Hadran's fear of legal entanglements, and then follows him deeper into the house- looking, listening, and sniffing for trouble...
perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (11) + 12 = 23

After successfully holding back from what would definitely have earned a murder investigation, the two of you are able to proceed into the house.

It's not hard to find the only occupied area - you open the door to the master bedroom and are greeted by a blast of heat. A roaring fire blazes in the fireplace even though the day is swelteringly hot. A huge bearded man shivers under his blankets, his bed pushed dangerously close to the fire. A thin servant sits in the far corner by a window, fanning himself with a handkerchief. The bearded man looks at you and blinks a few times, then speaks through chattering teeth. "Did Adril s-s-send y-you?"

Before finding Skelg Hadran lays a hand on Grond's shoulder.

"People will always try and deceive you. Its in their nature. Some may even be hostile, but to attack in the way you did is cowardly and out of fear. The fear may be of not wanting to get hurt yourself, or the fear of the unknown. Those men posed no real threat. If I could not have bested them with words then yes they may have tried to make us leave with force. They likely have no part in this besides the gold someone payed them. People for the most part are selfish and do what they deem best to survive. It is not our place to judge these men, but killing should always be the last option and is never a good one. Surely there was honor in your time. Do you not know this virtue? Alas we have work to do. We can speak more on this later my friend. Try and show some restraint or control until we do."

In the Room with Skelg

"He did Skelg, we are here to help. I assume you don't wish to die. So tell us who you made enemies with. We encountered two guards at your door dressed as longaxes. We expect them not to be, but they were trying to prevent us from getting to you. So who wishes to see you wither and die? Adril mentioned artifacts. Did you touch something or do something you were warned against. The more upfront and honest you are with us the easier it will be to help. I am Hadran, this is Grond."

Hadran walks into the room first speaking a few divine words giving him the power to see magical aura's and looks the man over.

"Cowardly?!?" Grond bristles, clearly taking offense, "there is nothing cowardly in leaping into battle- especially against unknown foes: those men could have been legendary warriors... hiding behind your words for fear your blood being spilt seems far more cowardly to me..."

He takes a deep breath and hair on the back of his neck settles back down... "I do not, however, wish to cause problems by breaking your laws, so we will continue that discussion later."

He follows Hadran into the chamber, still on edge, and listens the two men speak.

"Those... m-mangy dogs!" the barbarian warrior cried angrily. His companion put a hand on his shoulder, though, and the man continued to shake.

"My name is Tyros." the other man said, inclining his head. "I work as Sir Skelg's manservant, and those men were not longaxes - indeed, they insult all of Taldor by dressing as they did. The authorities here might care what happens to them, but we certainly don't." He continued tending his master, but began to explain the situation in more detail.

"One week ago, my master caught the hired hands of a man named Bengeirr in the basement vault and took them for thieves. One of them lit a lantern that, well, turned out to have magical properties, and the light from the lantern began to freeze my master as it touched him. When the same light struck a tapestry on the wall, it opened up a portal that the thieves escaped through. The thieves fled with the lantern and other valuables from the vault."

"I'd kill them all myself if I wasn't stuck in this blasted bed!" Skelg growled. Turos just nodded and continued explaining the situation.

The tapestry in the hall now depicts an Ulfen longship on a rolling sea, mostly encased in an iceberg (it was a meadow scene with shepherd and flock before the lantern shown on it.)

After Bengeirr’s raid, one of Skelg’s men named Tirfyr walked into the portal on the tapestry to investigate. He returned a moment later saying that it led to a ship encased in ice. He went back to investigate further, but after half an hour, the portal disappeared, trapping poor Tirfyr in the frigged landscape. Skelg recognized the ship in the tapestry as the funerary ship of his old enemy, Haldyr. He believes Tirfyr traveled to the ship and that the cure to his curse lies there.

Two days ago, Bengeirr’s men returned with Bengeirr himself and killed Skelg’s guards. Bengeirr spat on the sickly Skelg, snarling, “Now you’ll die in bed like an old woman.” He left his guards to prevent anyone from saving Skelg and tossed the corpses of Skelg’s men into the vault in the basement. Skelg, in his weakened state, was unable to do anything to defend himself and hurriedly wrote a letter to his friend Adril, hoping his sparing partner would send help immediately. Then he had timid Tyros smuggle the letter into the city.

The items in Skelg’s vault came from his raid on the funeral ship of the Ulfen jarl, Haldyr Bjornsson. Skelg took the gold and silver lantern from the bow of the ship, along with most of the funeral offerings. Natalya, a pale Irrisen of unearthly beauty left on the ship to burn with Haldyr, convinced him to give the ship to her.

"We need to see this tapestry then, I may be able to reopen the portal. Do you have some furs and clothes we may use. We came from the desert and not cloted for the cold weather. We will find Tirfyr and the cure if one is there. Lets be quick about it. Time may be against us."

Hadran stands and waits to be shown to the tapestry.

Grond frowns at the prospect of having to dress up in layers of wool and fur...

I can't believe I've been reduced to this... I can't even take on a form capable of keeping me warm in the snow...

He waits patiently with Hadran to be lead off.

"I don't think you can reopen it without the beacon. I have to attend to Master Skelg, but it's downstairs through the hall on the right." Tyros said, indicating the proper direction to go. "You'll have much better luck if you can find out where Bengeirr and his men went - they're likely still within the city. There aren't that many Ulfen visitors here in Absalom, so they shouldn't be too hard to find."

As you examine the tapestry, you both note that the ship in the picture has a large lantern ring hanging from the mouth of its dragon figurehead, but no lantern is hanging from it.

[b["I was going to attempt to activate the latent magic.U.M.D, but if this has been tried or you don't think it will work we will track down this man. Now Grond they will be hostile and we are acting a this man's behalf. We should try not to kill them so they can answer for their crimes but do not endanger yourself trying to spare them. Bengeirr will need to be taken alive though so that we may question him."[/b]

Looking back to the manservant.

"Do you know where he may be? If not we will ask around. As you said not many ulfen visitors. Take care of Skelg. We will return as soon as we can. Grond let go find this Bengeirr."

Gather Information: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24 Assuming the manservant doesn't know his location.

Grond follows Hadran through the city streets trying to aid him I'm his efforts to find information on the Ulfen's whereabouts.

aid another: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14

As it turns out, the manservant doesn't know the location of the Ulfen - he probably would have told you if he had - but gathering information is quite helpful. Several people suggest that you should look around the docks for more information, and a few suggest talking to the Harbormaster. Once you're in the area, though, you're able to find that some northlanders recently rented a warehouse at the docks from Tullo Baltias, and it's across from the The Rosy Fingers Tavern, a tavern on the west docks.

If there's anything you'd like to buy - something to help with the cold might not be a bad idea, given your client's current state - you can do that on the way.

Yes we will get cold weather gear before going to the Docs. 8gp each gold taken off and gear added. Grond add the gear to your sheet.

"Let us start with the Rosy Fingers. I'm sure they won't be happy with people asking around for Bengeirr, so be on guard. Not everone there is our enemy though, and remeber we need him alive. Are you ready my friend?"

Hadran and Grond head into the Rosy Fingers and take a seat at the bar.

@Barkeep:"Greetings. Ale for me and my friend. I heard this is the place one may come to trade in artifact of the North land. Can you tell me where I can find the one called Bengeirr, friend."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15

Hadran slides the man 10gp for the drink and the info

The bartender snorted, but took the coins and quickly slid them into a pouch. No need to turn down good money, after all. "You're new to the city." he said. It wasn't a question. "Absalom trades in everything, though it's true that even we have a limited selection of goods from the lands furthest north. Head to the markets if you want to trade, or just go out to the street and look for the warehouse guarded by the northman with a big axe. They're fairly protective of their secrecy there, but might have what you're looking for."

"Very well, thank you friend." Hadran downs his ale.

"Well Grond lets go see if we can come to an accord with these northman."

The two head toward the warehouse.

"Hello friends. We are here to see Bengeirr. We here he trades in artifacts and things of the north. We are interested in such and have gold to spend.

Perform for Bluff: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22

I'm sorry... I thought i posted yesterday but it looks like maybe the forum ate it...

Grond stands silently by and observes as Hadran attempts to gain access to the warehouse through trickery...

This world has changed so much... He condemns open combat as cowardly then resorts to lies and deception, if this is the meaning of 'valor' then it is no longer the word I know...