Thrawn's Gallows of Madness (PFSRPG) (Inactive)

Game Master Dennis Muldoon

.

dot

. .

O

It's been a long trip from Absalom to the nation of Isger. The village of Saringallow seems like a remote and unimportant destination, but Drendle Drang assured you that it was important for each of you to meet in this village, where arrangements have been made for you to discreetly meet with Mayor Sandra Trinelli. Your instructions are to help her with her reported troubles, in order to pave the way for the Pathfinder Society to start paving the way for a lodge to be set up.
Upon arriving to the village, you are guided to the town hall where you the mayor is to meet you.

Feel free to introduce yourselves to each other in ooc, as you have spend weeks on the roads and Rivers on your way to this Isgerian village.

After a short wait at the town hall, you are shown to the mayor's office. The plush red carpet and oak furniture upholstered with velvet lend this room an air of comfort, but it’s also clearly a place of official business, with several layers of administrative papers, staff memos, maps, and charts covering the wide surface of the solid desk in the center. From her tall-backed chair behind her desk, Mayor Sandra Trinelli looks up, shaking herself out of a deep concentration. A subtle look of relief flashes across her face as she motions to the oversized chairs in front of her.

“Normally, I’d exchange more pleasantries with my guests, but I fear there is no time. The business that brought you here is quite urgent—it may actually be a matter of life and death. Let me explain. You may have heard that several young apprentices from various establishments in Saringallow have disappeared in the last couple of weeks. Every one of them has failed to show up to work, and nobody seems to know where they’ve gone.

That’s not all. Rumors are spreading about sightings of enormous insects roaming about town. So far, the townspeople have chalked up such rumors to overactive imaginations, but I fear they might be real, and that they might have something to do with the missing apprentices. I have no proof that the situations are connected, but if folks get that notion into their heads, things are bound to spiral out of control.”

She shifts nervously, as if avoiding an uncomfortable implication, before continuing.

"Please, I implore you to look into this matter quietly and thoroughly—find out where our apprentices have gone and discover the cause of our vermin problem. Don’t jump to conclusions until you have investigated every possible angle; we need to be absolutely sure that we know who or what is responsible before we take any necessary law enforcement actions.

I suggest you start by interviewing the masters of every missing apprentice on this list I’ve compiled. I suspect that, collectively, they might shed some light on the youngsters’ whereabouts. That could in turn illuminate our vermin problem, but until we have more information, I caution you against suggesting to anyone that the two situations are connected. Beyond that, though, you have my full cooperation in this matter. If anyone gives you guff about your line of questioning, show them this letter.”

The mayor pushes a scrap of paper with several names scribbled on it across her desk, as well as a rolled-up, ribbon-bound letter written on thick parchment.

“I know your organization is interested in continued relations with this village. As an additional incentive, I’ve pooled together 50 gold pieces as a reward for each apprentice you manage to find and rescue, as well as an additional 100 gold pieces if you can determine the cause of our vermin problem—and eliminate it. Do we have a deal?”

Handouts and Maps

Ingrge nods as he listens to the mayor's words. "Ma'am, our Captain has informed us of this mission's importance and you'll have our full cooperation. I'm assuming these apprentices would seem to be disappearing, or at least were last seen, at night, yes? And any word as to what type of giant insects might be roaming?"

"I truly don’t know a lot more about the disappearances right now. From what I gather, their masters mostly think they’ve just momentarily run off. The longer they’re missing, however, the more worried the townsfolk will become. I do hope you find them safe and sound soon. As for bugs, none of the stories are consistent or credible. They can't decide if it's even crawling or flying bugs.”

"Are there any signs of a new religious group? I have heard of several wicked groups based around bugs."

Evernight is a Theologian Cleric of Hei Feng focusing on the Lightning Domain. He likes to spend a lot of time outdoors, especially during the rain. He is not much of a talker, but he is good at scrutinizing people. He wields a ninering broadsword. He has been on one mission and now has a Wand of Cure Light Wounds.

One part Ulfen warrior, one part elfin wanderer, Quazel listens intently to the proceedings, he thinks pensively, then speaks.

"The timing and placing of the disappearances will be of import," he comments. "I trust that we can always return here to discuss this situation with you in further detail? I feel speaking to the apprentices' masters will earn us more complete information than we can think to ask you right now, but time will come that we will cross paths in query."

Looking over the list of names, he adds, "Would you have the name of one with the rumors of insects? Learning more about that threat will help our case."

Quazel is an inquisitor of Gorum with the Tactics inquisition, and he calls himself a "scholar of battle." Although he fights with greatsword and works the front lines, he also carefully studies manuscripts and scrolls whenever he can get his hands on them.

Hasmed nods, his big brown eyes darting around with concern. "Vasaghati's shadow lays heavy upon dis village. May Gruhastha aid us in our quest for clear sight" he offers in a thick vudrani accent.

Hasmed (which is more of a Keleshi name for those who would know) has described himself as a disciple of the martial arts who has seen the truth and seeks to master the ways of the arcane fist. He is lean of built and shaves his head meticulously every morning. He wields a knuckle axe which has seen better days. It is a source of constant shame for him, as it is not a weapon "worthy" to be the "vessel of muscle and magic".

Ingrge is a half-elf Urban Ranger, originally hailing from Cheliax. His preferred weapon is the longbow and he prefers providing ranged support in battle, but can handle a knife at close quarters as needed. Proficient in stealth, perception, and disabling device techniques, he is also a handy scout. He also likes to research on the places his missions take him, to learn the ins and outs of the locals and their environment...

(Sorry should've included this in my initial post above)

"The only major religion in town is the temple of Erastil. That is actually where one of the apprentices went missing, so I'm sure you will be acquainted with it soon. At this point, we don't even know if the bug stories are real, let alone part of some religious cult. I'd certainly prefer you not starting any rumors of such. The people around these parts are very superstitious. I haven't heard anything first hand. Come to think of it, the temple might be the best place to ask around about that, or perhaps the Witch's End Tavern. Just do it quietly and don't get the citizens riles up about what is likely nothing."

You will be able to do general info gathering (which takes d4 hours per attempt and has a number of rumors and clues available) as well as travel to specific people at locations (which can vary in time.)

From the handout with the list of missing apprentices, you quickly determine some likely locations to include in your search:
Betrona Pindlion - Location #9 (Petrelo's Haberdashery)
Gellion Vazarro - Location #5 (Priknettle's Potions and Poltices)
Morvinarr Albusin - Location #10 (Witch's End Tavern)
Noemi Taurdio - Location #7 (Gunty's Hearty Breads)
Nolaria Wintren - Location #6 (Temple of Erastil)
Pavolus Laterna - Location #8 (Dependable Drummady's)

Ingrge nods at the mention of Erastil (his deity of choice)...he looks to his fellow Pathfinders.

"Perhaps we should start at the Temple? Might be less chance of rumors spreading from there as we can probably be more discreet with our inquiries..."

"Well, it should be safe of crazy wandering bugs, at least; Erastil's not that sort for sure." Truddig speaks up from the back of the room. "Let's go see Old Deadeye's people and let them tell us what they know. No sense waiting."

Truddig has been hard to get to know during the travels to Isger. Sharing a measure of typical dwarven gruffness, his personality is compounded by other odd quirks that make him somewhat unpleasant to converse with. Whether he lacks concern for others, or just doesn't know to show it is not obvious.

What he has told you is that he hails from Kravenkus, a poorly populated Sky Citadel in the World's Edge Mountains that is under constant threat from the Darklands. A member of the Sky Citadel's meager garrison, he's told you that he has been sent out to gain knowledge and skills that will help introduce new thinking to the Citadel's defenses, in hopes of finding inspiration to gain a long-sought upper hand against the forces of the Darklands.

He is currently a Monk 1, so will definitely start in a combat role. Once he starts taking Druid levels, he'll somewhat shift into a more controlling role with a focus on delivering touch attacks. Or, at least, that's what I envision presently. :)

"Sounds like a good idea, Truddig. So, who here is good at talking nicely? I will keep keep an ear out for lies, but I tend to be as subtle as a lightning bolt and just as direct." Evernight get ready to leave before turning back to the mayor. "Oh, mayor, I just thought of something. Where are we to stay during our mission? This sounds like something that will take more then one day, especially if you have more tasks for us."

Ingrge nods in agreement with Evernight's words.

"Not I...while I might ask a question now and then that I'd like an answer to, my skills lie not in diplomacy..."

"You're not going to like what happens if I do the talking. Nobody ever does."

"I can speak," Quazel responds, "but I am not subtle. Furthermore, Erastil's faithful might not appreciate a Gorumite speaking with them. I may believe that a successful battle is one entered into carefully, not brashly, but the reputation of Our Lord in Iron precedes me."

A man with dark hair, brown eyes, and medium skin wears the loose, light clothing of the desert. He carries a finely-crafted fauchard and wears scale armor.

"I am Khafra Almaktoum," he says. "I am glad to make your acquaintance. I have some skill in weaponry should it be necessary as we seek these missing apprentices."

The temple of Erastil is one of the oldest and largest structures in the entire town. It is quickly evident that this temple is far different than what you are used to seeing in cities like Absalom. The temple seems to be much more functional, and focused on the needs of the people than on the needs of the clergy. The male dwarven priest, the only person here other than two people on cots in the infirmary, greets you all as you enter, "Welcome brothers and sisters, what services can I as a humble follower of Erastil provide on this day."

Although not glib of tongue, as a follower of Erastil, Ingrge feels maybe he should make an introduction. He steps forward and bows, and speaks lowly to the priest...

"Ingrge, at your service...I too follow Erastil. We are Pathfinders sent by your mayor to investigate the disappearances of apprentices in Saringallow."

Nodding in deference to Quazel Karn, he continues, "We have some questions we'd like to ask concerning the disappearance of your apprentice..."

Ingrge bows again and steps back...

Quazel steps forward. "Good to speak with you. We understand that, among all the youths to go missing in Saringallow, one Nolaria Wintren, an apprentice here, was among them. We are tasked with locating these missing people, and bring them home safely, gods willing. Would you be willing to spare some time for us, so that we may learn the particulars of Wintren's disappearance?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17

Upon hearing your mission, his expression immediately saddens. "Yes, Nolaria is my apprentice. She is like a daughter to me, since I took her in after she was orphaned in the Goblinblood Wars. I'm afraid you are correct that she is missing. I don't have a lot of time to talk though. I need to treat the ill for their maladies."

"I am Evernight. Perhaps I can be of help? While I am not trained in the ordinary healing arts, Hei Feng has endowed me with divine power. I can at least tend to the wounded and free up some of your time. We really would love to finder, hopefully alive and well." Evernight offers a deep bow.

"You are welcome to try. I'm afraid I've already used up what divine healing Erastil has granted me on this day. I am using more mundane means." With this the priest grinds some kind of powdered herb with a mortar and pestle.

"Please point toward those who could use my help." Nevernight will follow the priest when he shows him. I also want to read the priest to see if he is not just using his duties as an excuse not to talk with us.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24

The priest nods to on of the side chambers. You can see about a half dozen people in the room, taking up the four cots, with two people sitting in corners propped up against the wall.

Although it's obvious he has duties and is busy, you sense he doesn't really want to talk either.

"You are skilled at helping others...we need to help your former apprentice, too. Please tell us anything that might be helpful," Khafra says.

diplomacy aid: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

"Maladies? What sort of maladies?"

Quazel enters the infirmary to see what can be done.

Everyone in the infirmary seems to be very ill, they are sweating, and they are not conscious at this time.

Heal: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

Ingrge shakes his head, as he can't make anything out 'bout this sickness...

Heal: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23

"This seems to be some sort of poison. Do you know of anyhting that these people have in common?" Whispering to Ingrge. "I wonder if it is from the mysterious insects."

The priest pokes his head in the room. "Poison? One of them did mention insect bites. This woman..." he indicates a woman who looks to be a farmer of some kind. Then he motions to two children on the nearby cots, "she wasn't coherent when she carried her children in here, but I swear she was babbling something about a bug before falling unconscious."

Ingrge nods in agreement with Everknight, whispering back, "I wonder as well...I have an uneasy feeling that the rumors of these giant insects...might not be rumors at all..."

Heal: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Quazel stands back a little, more baffled by the disease than anything. "Surely if they've been bitten by an insect, there should be a wound. Have they been bitten?"

Searching closer, you find wounds that may have come from large insects.

-Posted with Wayfinder

Heal: 1d20 ⇒ 6

Hasmed nods thoughtfully as the other pathfinders inquire about the missing apprentice "Pardon me, but what farm did that woman live on? Where is the father" he asks, taking a knee to examine the children, albeit without much success.

"I believe she and her family works the orchards."

14 on the map

Hasmed nods, and motions for his fellow pathfinder agents to come to him. "The scent of Dalavhei's deception is strong here. Look upon the map we have been given. The temple, the vineyard and all the other locations where someone has been taken... All are very much close indeed to one another, forming quite the oblong shape! Perhaps on our way to visit another, we could pass through the vineyard. But before we should ask the Erastilite of when his apprentice disappeared" he whispers in one breath, seemingly excited with his discovery.

"I'm afraid you are correct that she is missing. She has a history of bending rules and getting into a bit of trouble, but she's never been gone this long. It's been a couple days now. She was going to meet her friends of hers with that bird she always keeps around. I think she said they were meeting in the cemetery."

15 on the map

Ingrge nods towards Hasmed. "Nice...but do we know where they were when they were actually taken? The priest mentions the Temple's missing apprentice may have been at the cemetery with her friends...mayhap she was taken while there. I wonder if any of the friends she met there might also be missing..."

"We don't know that anyone was actually taken, truth be told. Nolaria has it in her head that she wants adventure. She'll grow out of it, when she takes over this temple from me, but now she's prone to sneaking out."

Ingrge bows to the priest. "My apologies, I misspoke...perhaps I should've said we don't know where they went missing..."

Truddig pushes himself to the front of the group, interrupting. "Her friends. Any of them on this list?" He finds the list of apprentices that the mayor provided and shoves it towards the priest.

"That Gellion boy, he is one of her friends. She really doesn't bring most of them around here."

"Gellion Vazarro...apprenticed over at the potion store...perhaps we should visit there next? Although it looks like the bread shop is on the way and they have a missing apprentice as well..."

"I'm satisfied to let you lead the way. You do have a workable theory."

Assuming no objections to heading off to the bread shop.

Gunty's Hearty Breads is the largest bakery in all of Saringallow. A middle aged male with a cane and a limp shouts out orders to five apprentice bakers, making it seem more like a military operation than a bakery. The shop seems to be very popular with a constant flow of customers, keeping everyone pretty busy.

Ingrge nods at Quazel Karn, "Thank you...I'm more interested right now in the potion shop but, since it's on the way, we may as well stop by the bakery and see what connections may be there..."

Upon arrival, Ingrge approaches the man giving orders, assuming he is in charge...

"Sir, we're Pathfinders assisting your Mayor with the investigation of disappearing apprentices. We'd like to ask you about Noemi Taurdio."

Ingrge then steps back in deference to those who are much better at getting answers to questions...

"Surely these insect bites and the missing apprentices are connected," Khafra says.

Once at the bakery, he assists Ingrge. "We are here to help. Tell us what you can," he says.

diplomacy: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22