The Harbingers

Game Master Nimon

While she does not enjoy the heat, Herani does not mind it, probably because she is not wearing armor or carrying a heavy load.

After listening to Arodeth and Alkenstar.

Really makes no difference to me. Tar-Baphon has been dead for over 1000 years, and Geb is a mighty lich. I do not think that waiting for a few days is going to change things much. If we can help Alkenstar to feed his people and gain the Harbringers a stronger foothold here in the south, this seems like a very good thing. And 10,000 crowns is nothing to scoff at.

Also after listening to both offers "I agree Hera, but we must speak with Arodeth first. She is our main patron, and I will not cross her, even for ten thousand crowns. That being said, I do not believe she will turn down something that not only benefits us personally, but the Harbingers as a whole, something that will hopefully last long after our children's children have passed. Alkenstar would be a powerful ally indeed for us Harbingers to count on."

Can I drink the potion now? or am I to wait till we depart the wastes?

Drink it once the quickening hits you

What! Well I don't do hocus pocus but if it will make me stronger I chuck it down like water Well I need some ale now for this hideus taste coffing a little and making disgusting faces like he sucked a lemon.

Yes this is as charming as I get, but I usually use this showing my weapon Do most of my speaking it always gets the point across

Xideus slides the black blade across his hand, draining his own blood onto the blade.

He arrives a bit later then the rest of you to the meeting with Alkenstar, his hand is wrapped in a bandage and a new blade hangs from his belt. It is a deep-black adamantine scimitar, but it is quite different then the scimitars you have seen him with before. The hilt has three faces, each facing a different direction. Between the faces, slender pieces of adamantine metal ribbon out and downward to the base of the pommel - creating a hand-guard. The blade is not entirely curved like a normal scimitar, but instead starts to curve about six inches from the hilt (similar to the iconic magus' scimitar in the books). Although the blade is a deep black, it is adorned with gold in a few places on the hilt, outlining the faces' features such as their crowns and jewelry. The hand guard has a thin line of gold etched into it, spiraling the opposite direction of the adamantine's.

Xideus grabs a mug of the Dwarven ale and takes a sip as he sits down. He listens intently to Alkenstar's offer and occasionally looks to the rest of the group, judging their reactions as well. When Alkenstar discusses the quickening, a look of concern fills his face.

"That is a pleasant thought that we could all die just by leaving this place... He graciously takes the potion from Alkenstar, "Thank you.

He listens as Herani and Akor discuss the situation and then adds his piece, "There is much to benefit from this, that is for sure, but we must keep our primary objective in sight. If we were to be found out by Geb agents that we have done this task, then it will be much harder to find the information we need later. The Harbringers are clever and can adapt, we may not need a 'permanent' base here. Let's discuss this further with Arodeth, like you suggested Akor... If she is still around."

Belros You are about to drink the potion when Alkenstar stops you, Not yet friend, not until you actually feel the effects of the quickening upon reentering magical influence.

** spoiler omitted **

Jazimus eyes the potion and gives a nod of thanks. And even though he doesn't have reason to not trust Alkenstar recent events have made him more cautious and somewhat - edgy?

When the group is away from the man he studies the vial casting a few spells to make sure it does what the man claims it does. Cast detect magic, then identify 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (17) + 19 = 36

_____________________________________________

Of course their would be two quest going in different directions laid out before the group, nothing is ever easy. At least not since he learned his true heritage and started working for the Harbingers.

Given the choice Jazismus doedn't know what to decide on, "I'm an actor. I play heroes I'm not one." he mumbles to himself."And that is a lot safer."

He follows along with the rest of the group wondering what Arodeth will have to say about Alkenstar's offer.

"If you will excuse us, Alkenstar, we must deliberate further upon this offer." Xideus says as he moves to leave the room and search for Arodeth. He returns to the temple and asks the man with the scar if he can speak to her again.

When the group is away from the man he studies the vial casting a few spells to make sure it does what the man claims it does. Cast detect magic, then identify 1d20 + 19

You do realize that casting Detect Magic and Identify in a magic dead zone in the mana wastes is likely to be less than successful?

You see Arodeth as she is leaving the city with several armed gaurds. I have been informed by Hana that Alkenstar would send you on an errand. I can not make a clear prediction in this land whether this is a correct action or not, so I have no qualms as long as you do not delay there to long, and do not pursue Elimon yet. He is very powerful and will move swifty and hard against us if he realizes your alive and that I have learned of his betrayal. For this reason also I would ask that you are descrete as you have been in the past. May the Age of Glory return, good luck

"Nex seems like a logical pit-stop on our journey. Although it is North instead South, it is closer, and the closest place we can get to where our magic works. I think we would be well to do to earn that gold and a place for the Harbringers. At least if we have to pay someone off later to get information, we will have the money."

Xideus strokes his goatee before he speaks again, "My vote is to broker this contract as quickly as possible and get on to Geb."

"That sounds fine to me, but we'll need some sort of cover, preferably something that makes sense for contacting this friend of Alkenstar's."

We can see when the next caravan is leaving the city headed toward Nex. Caravans are always seeking guards. I am sure that Alkenstar should be able to get us in contact with a caravan master.

Very well, Hana has also arranged horses for us at the stable. The road to Nex is pretty straight forward along the river of Elemion. I shall ride with you for a day, then I need to break west and take a ferry across the river at a village just north of Dorgon hold.

A Caravan would be a good cover, I need to leave immediatly though, you can wait for one here or see if there is one leaving from Dogon Hold. They often travel to the settlements north along the river.

We need to work our story together in case something happens. I can say I'm just a caravan guard travelling with the caravan if needed as a cover for me, but it's best to work it as a group so we can all cover each other rubbing my chin as I think You know usually half truths work the best in most cases, so if they wanna run a check they will find out our truth easy enough to check but the other part are to hard or not worthwhile to search for giving a chuckle Just my opinion on the matter

"Great thinking Herani - I knew we kept you around for something." Xideus jests with a smirk.

He turns to Arodeth and wishes her farewell.

"I suppose we should get on with it then."

"Posing as guards works for those more martial among us, but I think for the others, you guys should pretend to be traveling merchants. We can escort you out of here, and then join up with a larger caravan at some point."

Unless someone looks really closely, all of us can appear as guards. This is the hot south, even warriors wear flowing robes. Give us a scimitar or shortsword and even the spellcasters look martial, especially since we will all be carrying crossbows and ranged weapons - standard guard fair. Personally, I have no problem playing a merchant and can probably fake enough knowledge of the area and business to pull it off.

"Unfortunately, my training and upbringing had very little to do with geography or commerce, so it's guard duty for me."

How do their colourations match up with the local population? Will they need disguises or face paint, etc.?

You guys have been to Nex enough now to know that it has many differant people from all over Golarion. They service everyone from Fiends to Celestials, Hobgoblins to Fey, the only place probably with a larger mix of population is Absolam. So in appearance you will not stand out so much, it will depend more on how and where you say certain things once you get past that border. In the Manawastes you might stick out a little since so far the population seems to be more dwarves then humans, but you have heard of some settlements off the river to the north that are human. If you want to purchess some simular clothing you may, price it right out of core as travel clothing and lable it(Alkenstar)

You guys have been to Nex enough now to know that it has many differant people from all over Golarion. They service everyone from Fiends to Celestials, Hobgoblins to Fey, the only place probably with a larger mix of population is Absolam. So in appearance you will not stand out so much, it will depend more on how and where you say certain things once you get past that border. In the Manawastes you might stick out a little since so far the population seems to be more dwarves then humans, but you have heard of some settlements off the river to the north that are human. If you want to purchess some simular clothing you may, price it right out of core as travel clothing and lable it(Alkenstar)

I think the trick was to not display that we are from Alkenstar. I'll be wearing my usual attire and weaponry (which is quite the hodgepodge of East meets Middle East styles.). Maybe once we are are in Nex we can get some local clothing.

"Let's see if we can actually get hired on as caravan guards, that way we have a legitimate cover."

Using Gather Information to Find any Caravan guard jobs up to Ecanus, Nex: 1d20 ⇒ 20 Hah, lucky, stand aside Jaz, the Magus is the face of this group ;)

There is no caravans to Ecanus, but there is one to the border town of Grit. Grit is a village built behind a watch tower that over sees to border to Nex. It will by a two day travel, stoping once at Drogon Hold. You are offered 5 gold a day.

There is no caravans to Ecanus, but there is one to the border town of Grit. Grit is a village built behind a watch tower that over sees to border to Nex. It will by a two day travel, stoping once at Drogon Hold. You are offered 5 gold a day.

Xideus informs the rest of the group about the job. "From Grit we may be able to pick up another Caravan, and if not, at least we made it through the border under-cover."

"Sounds like a good plan to me. Well done Xi" Akor readies himself to leave, getting that good meal he desired, and a nice bath. Once ready he returns, his pale blue eyes are sparkling brightly "I am very much ready to get out of this wasteland. Shall we?"

Hearing of the caravan, Herani smiles.

Sounds like a plan. I am from Cheliax, so acting like I am not from her should not be a problem.

continueing on with you taking the caravan to drogon the first night, then to grit the second. If anyone needed to do somethign just post it

You are about a couple of hours away from Drogon Hold, it is getting dark. The Caravan lead calls for a halt, as there is a large bolder blocking the road. The road is currently on a slight uphill incline, the suroundings are of grassy hilltops.

Trying to see or hear anyone behind the bolder: Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

Xideus draws his cold-iron scimitar as he looks towards the bolder. He leans over to the rest of the group and says, "I'm half-expecting that rock to start rolling towards us. The hairs on the back of my neck are screaming 'ambush'. With that, Xideus begins to move to the side of the road and towards the front near the bolder.

You will recall, we were told that this area is know for those weird giant things, they could have easily moved a stone like this. Yes, I think that camping below the boulder is a less than wise option.

I head up and check out the boulder, does it appear to have been rolled there recently?

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

Initatives
1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10 Calikang 1
1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18 Calikang 2
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5 Hill Giant 1
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13 Hill Giant 2
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22 Hill Giant 3
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21 Hill Giant 4
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18 Ogre 1
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13 Ogre 2

1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19 Caravan Lead
1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6 Caravan Guard 1
1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10 Caravan Guard 2

Ya just can't have a nice road travel now a days...

1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

Initiative: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7 Jeese, good thing I drew my sword O.o How far away are these guys?

Hero Point Act out of Turn (Just before the highest initiative):
.

Option 1: If the Calikang are within 30ft I will try to demoralize them:

"You fools! We killed The Master and his goons with hides and cheap gladiator weapons! Now that we are properly equipped, you stand no chance!

Xideus laughs maniacally.

Intimidate:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

____________________________________________________________

Option 2: If they are outside of 30ft I will try to find hard cover from the canons with a move action.

As soon as he spots the boulder, Akor draws his bow and nocks and arrow. Like his companions, he too expects trouble and thus isn't surprised when the cry of "ambush" goes up. 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21 Initiative

The archer summons up the inner strength of his deity, and once more lets fly two arrows at one of the Calikangs 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23 Attack 1 for 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7,
1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18 Attack 2 for 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Spent a Hero Point for the extra attack. Will either wait for one of the Calikangs to move within 30ft, or close the distance myself with a move action

"Everyone! We must concentrate our efforts." She points at the now injured beast. "That one first!"

Initiative: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

If we're talking about giants appearing from behind hills, I'm guessing we're still dealing with hundreds of feet. Waiting to hear back about distances before posting actions.

Jazimus draws his sword and protects himself against any ranged attacks.

Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20

Does magic work yet?

If not - attack wounded Calikang: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 5

What do I know about these monsters?
Knowledge(nature): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24 Includes +2 circumstances desert.

No magic does not work. 1 day from the border. You are hours from Drogon Hold.

Initative
Hill Giant 3- 22
Akor- 21+
Hill Giant 4- 21-
Herani- 20
Caravan Lead- 19
Ogre 1- 18+
Calikang 2- 18-
Jazsimus- 17
Ogre 2-13+
Hill Giant 2-13-
Belros -11
Caravan Guard 2-10+
Calikang 1-10-
Xara- 8
Xideus-7

I responded to this but net ate it.I will post in morning. It is good in a way because I did the ranges wrong the first post. 300' away on right, and 220' away on left is the giants. I will do the actions and what not then. You can adjust your actions with the new information.

So then Xara modifiers her actions as follows...

Xara takes a double move if necessary to find some hard cover from the cannons (boulder would be great, wagon second choice). She makes herself as small as possible, since she only has cover from one half.

"Har-" she calls out, then chokes off her words. "Friends, we need to concentrate our efforts and stick together. Let's get control over one of those cannons, and then go for their leaders, probably the Calikangs."

Aye! I hear ya Xara

I move for cover behind a boulder and try to find away to approach the cannons.

Hill Giant 3 Will Close the distance some coming from right. He is now 240 feet away. He Throws a boulder that lands short of the caravan. He also has a larg club at his back.
Akor Will hit with one of his arrows at this distance. Calikang #2 is wounded.
Hill Giant 4 Gets to the top of the hill to the left and is preparing his cannon to fire. next round it will go off. He is 260' away.
Herani Hits the wounded calikang with crossbow I am assuming. Calikang #2 is slighty wounded now.
Caravan Lead Fires his rifle at the Calikang that Xara pointed out from behind one of his wagons. 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15 to hit 1d10 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5 damage
Ogre 1 Closes the distance at a flat run from the left. He is 150' away wielding a polearm.
Calikang 2 furious at being shot, charges at the caravan in a flat run from the right he is 150' away.
Jazsimus Finds cover and goes into a defensive stance.
Ogre 2 closes the distance in a flat run from the right. He is 120' away.
Hill Giant 2 Gets to the top of the hill to the right and readies his cannon. He is 200' away.
Belros Belros takes cover. He sees a possible route to the Hill Giant on the hill top to the right, but it would take a full out run to make it in time.
Caravan Guard 2 Fires at the charging Calikang. 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17 to hit 1d10 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5 damage
Calikang 1 from the left charges in a full run at those by the boulder. He is 120' away.
Xara [b] Seeks cover as she helps direct others.
[b] Caravan Guard 1 Fires at the calikang to finish it off. 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14 1d10 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11 damage.
Hill Giant 1 Closes distace from the left. He throws a boulder short of the caravan. He has a very large two handed sword on his back. He is now 160' away.

Xideus also found cover last round.

Recap/Status
Hill Giant 3- 22 240' away
Akor- 21+ Fired his bow at Calikang 2
Hill Giant 4- 21-Readying cannon on top hill to right
Herani- 20 Fired at Calikang 2 with cross bow
Caravan Lead- 19 Fired at Calikang 2 with rifle
Ogre 1- 18+ Full out run(no dex)
Calikang 2- 18- Looks seriously wounded,flat out run(no dex)
Jazsimus- 17 Cover and defensive position(24 AC)
Ogre 2-13+ Full out run(no dex)
Hill Giant 2-13- Readying cannon on top hill to left
Belros -11 Hard Cover, sees path to cannon on right
Caravan Guard 2-10+ Fired at Calikang 2
Calikang 1-10- Full out run to boulder(no dex)
Xara- 8 Hard Cover
Xideus-7 Hard Cover
Caravan Guard 1-6 Fired rifle at calikang 2
Hill Giant 1-5 closed distance 160' away

Back to top

Hill Giant 3 will close distance in a full run. He is 100' away with no dex.