In your first mission as a Pathfinder agent, the head of the Grand Lodge sends you on a number of missions throughout the metropolis of Absalom, pitting you against traps, thieves, and even an unruly devil, all in the pursuit of knowledge.
"The orphanage sounds like a good plan!" Doughlas moves quickly to the exit after the Sage mentions getting his snake. Thinking to himself, "Wished I remembered my pestilent blankets to help keep the orphans warm on cold nights."
CG Male half-elf rogue 8 | HP 67/67 | AC: 21 T:17 FF:15 | F +4 R +12 W +2 (+2 vs. enchantments) | Init +12 | Perc +13 | Low-light vision | Trapfinding +4
He doesn't believe in 'game balance'. Gandalf always lets him pass. As a feat, he has Exotic Weapon Proficiency (beard). The city guard often question him, just because they find him so interesting. His dice bag is woven from tarrasque leather. His TPKs end game lines. His blood cures moderate wounds. He once punched a flumph. Yes, you heard me. He belongs to a prestige class whose sole requirement for entry is just being him. ♬ He is indeed, the most interesting GM in the world. ♬
First, someone needs to remember (or figure out) where the orphanage is. It is not as well known a monument as the Temple of the Shining Star.
knowledge (geography, or local) DC 20+:
Gilga Baltwin's Home for Recovery is located in the Eastgate district.
Are we heading to the Temple of the Shining Star, or to Gilga Baltwin's Home for Recovery? Current vote: 1-to-3.
After rereading the mission missive, "Oh my, we need to head to the Temple of the Shining Star to grab what we need to take to the orphanage. That would have been embarrassing."
"Ah! Of course. How foolish of me! You are quite right, Doughlas. We need to speak to Ollysta Zadrian at the Temple of the Shining Star. Come along, then. The Ascendant Court is this way."
He doesn't believe in 'game balance'. Gandalf always lets him pass. As a feat, he has Exotic Weapon Proficiency (beard). The city guard often question him, just because they find him so interesting. His dice bag is woven from tarrasque leather. His TPKs end game lines. His blood cures moderate wounds. He once punched a flumph. Yes, you heard me. He belongs to a prestige class whose sole requirement for entry is just being him. ♬ He is indeed, the most interesting GM in the world. ♬
At the center of the City at the Center of the World lies the Ascendant Court—Absalom's religious hub, the site of ascension of four gods, and the final resting place of the Starstone itself. The Ascendant Court is the religious center of Absalom, holding the preponderance of the city's temples as well as the awesome Starstone Cathedral. Located at the physical center of Absalom, it serves as a hub between other districts: all roads in the Ascendant Court lead to the Starstone. Aside from the many temples—Sarenrae's Temple of the Shining Star, the Pleasure Salon of Calistria, Cayden's Hall, and the Seventh Church, site of one of Iomedae's 11 miraculous acts, and the Cathedral of the Fallen which honors those who have attempted and failed at the Test of the Starstone— the district's most notable locations include the Avenue of the Hopeful, God's Market, and the Chelish embassy in the former temple of Aroden.
Absalom's Temple of the Shining Star, located near the street ringing the pit around the Starstone Cathedral, is the largest temple of Sarenrae north of the capital of Qadira, and the only such church in Absalom. The church runs several bright blue pavilions on adjoining streets for junior priests to minister the public for free.
Female Human Cleric of Sarenrae 1 | hp 13 | AC 14 T 10 FF 14 | CMD 12 | F +3 R +0 W +5 | Spd 30' | Init +0 | Diplo +6, Heal +7, KnRel +4, Perc +3, SensM +3 |
Haha! As a Thuvian, that clip is exactly what Esper would like to do deep down...
Walking through the Ascendant Court, Esper gives a disgusted shake of her head.
Ugh, more harmful religious dogma...
With effort, she schools her face into a pleasant, serene smile.
At the sight of the oddly familiar looking sister, Esper smiles. She makes no move for her coin purse. "Greetings, Sister. We're here to meet with Ollysta Zadrian. Could you point us in the right direction?"
Arriving at the Temple of the Shining Star, the party is immediately brought to Ollysta Zadrian. This paladin of Sarenrae is young in her years, but holds herself with the poise of a queen and warrior simultaneously.
Noticing the party she strides forward along the transept and addresses the party in a strong voice “Thank the light of Sarenrae you have arrived! I knew Dean Valsin would see the light and aid us in the Silver Crusade. Sarenrae desperately needs you to bring medicine to an orphanage. Perhaps more importantly Dawnflower and her servants would know if the institution and its headmistress, Gilga Baltwin, are deserving of our Lady's charity."
At this moment a sister dressed in the glorious colors of Sarenrae's church moves silently by the party holding out her offering basket to each party member in turn. Behind her is a man in a bright sunny robe gently swinging an aspergillum full of burning incense.
Sister Zadrian continues. "Since our quest began, the needy have clamored for our aid, and the Lady knows that some miscreants are abusing our Lady's generosity. It may sound cruel, but there are dishonest people out in the world eager for easy gold."
“Do you know the light of the Silver Crusade? After discovering so many factions splintered the Society, a number of us banded together to proliferate the cause of charity and kindness using the Society’s resources. As it is said, ‘The Dawn brings new light’ and We’ve made it our life’s work to use our recent darkness to bring a new light to the world and to the Pathfinder Society. I apologize for straying off point. Will you bring this parcel of medicine to Auntie Baltwin’s Home for Recovery in the Eastgate district?”
As she says the last another sister arrives with a wrapped parcel, which she hands to Sister Zadrian who in turn offers it to the group and then intones a brief blessing.
"'I will show the less fortunate the light of the Dawnflower. I will live my life as her mortal blade, shining with the light of truth.' May Her light guide your steps until the coming of the Dawn."
As if to bless the arrangement sunlight shines through the rose-shaped stained glass window just behind her creating a blinding halo around Sister Zadrian.
Female Gnome Warpriest 4 | AC 17/12/16 | HP 35/35 | F+6, R+2,W+7 | CMD 15 | Speed 20’ | Init+7, Perception+5, Sense Motive+8 | Lowlight vision.
Perrine listens closely to the lesson from the priests before happily heading to her next mission. ”I’m sure if someone has dedicated her life to running an orphanage, that she has to be good people. We can be right in and out, I bet. I’m sure she’s a sweetie...”
Do you have cause to suspect that Ms. Baltwin is abusing your charity?
"No, but our resources are finite and donated to us by those who deem us fair minded arbiters. We would be remiss in giving their gifts to the undeserving."
The leader of the Silver Crusade gives you directions and bids you all (particularly Esper) a safe journey.
He doesn't believe in 'game balance'. Gandalf always lets him pass. As a feat, he has Exotic Weapon Proficiency (beard). The city guard often question him, just because they find him so interesting. His dice bag is woven from tarrasque leather. His TPKs end game lines. His blood cures moderate wounds. He once punched a flumph. Yes, you heard me. He belongs to a prestige class whose sole requirement for entry is just being him. ♬ He is indeed, the most interesting GM in the world. ♬
Eastgate is a mainly residential district with a number of small neighborhood shops squeezed among and under homes, flats and flop houses, divided by a web of streets, lanes and alleys. The south-side of the district boarders on the nearly abandoned, and most say lawless, Precipice Quarter formerly known as Beldrin's Bluff until it was claimed by an earthquake over a decade before.
It is mid-afternoon, just past lunchtime, and so there are number of people on the street returning to or from work, or otherwise going about their business as vendors ply their goods along the main thoroughfares.
After a short time wandering around, the party finds its way to an older middle-class street with a market corner, and one or two large houses. A few children rush about up and down the street. While near the center of one block sits a large house with a sign reading: Auntie Baltwin’s Home for Recovery.
You note the neighborhood folks giving you the once over, in particular a rather thuggish-looking halfling with a fabulous mustachio standing across the street seeming to be inspecting a food vendor wares keeps looking in your direction.
Knowledge Local on Auntie B's HfR:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
Esper smiles winningly at all the people who she passes, including the angry looking halfling. As she turns toward the orphanage, she says quietly to the others, "Moustache behind us seems very interested in our arrival."
CG Male half-elf rogue 8 | HP 67/67 | AC: 21 T:17 FF:15 | F +4 R +12 W +2 (+2 vs. enchantments) | Init +12 | Perc +13 | Low-light vision | Trapfinding +4
"Yeah, I noticed that too. I hope he doesn't want to start a problem."
He doesn't believe in 'game balance'. Gandalf always lets him pass. As a feat, he has Exotic Weapon Proficiency (beard). The city guard often question him, just because they find him so interesting. His dice bag is woven from tarrasque leather. His TPKs end game lines. His blood cures moderate wounds. He once punched a flumph. Yes, you heard me. He belongs to a prestige class whose sole requirement for entry is just being him. ♬ He is indeed, the most interesting GM in the world. ♬
Esper Zevral wrote:
Esper smiles winningly at all the people who she passes, including the angry looking halfling. As she turns toward the orphanage, she says quietly to the others, "Moustache behind us seems very interested in our arrival."
Esper and the others look back and the halfling is gone.
The group arrives at the front porch of the community's charity children's hospital--Auntie Baltwin’s Home for Recovery.
"Well, hello there, child. I hear there are some sick children about. Is that true?" Esper asks kindly, hoping she can get some information from the child before the shrill voice arrives.
Female Gnome Warpriest 4 | AC 17/12/16 | HP 35/35 | F+6, R+2,W+7 | CMD 15 | Speed 20’ | Init+7, Perception+5, Sense Motive+8 | Lowlight vision.
Perception 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12
Perrine moves forward and talks to the girl eye to eye. ”Are you feeling okay? I noticed your cough. Have you been getting your medicine? Have any of your friends that live here been getting medication?”. The halfling deluges her with questions about the situation there.
CG Male half-elf rogue 8 | HP 67/67 | AC: 21 T:17 FF:15 | F +4 R +12 W +2 (+2 vs. enchantments) | Init +12 | Perc +13 | Low-light vision | Trapfinding +4
Perception:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
Tathane stands to the side of the door to let the others negotiate with the little girl and whoever is approaching from inside. The idea of an orphanage just makes him uncomfortable. The thought of kids not having their parents... He shudders. He doesn't get to see his parents, or the rest of the Halfbarrel kin often, but he is still glad to know that they're there.
apologies- got called in over the holiday weekend to do 4 days of double shifts
Einarr is unsure of travelling to the sick house... people go there cause they are sick. He isn't sick... Why does he need to go there... He hopes one of the sick kids doesn't touch him... Einarr tells the lady "We ummm... have a delivery... for you..." he tells her nervously as he looks around making sure no kid is gonna touch him...
Eyeing the woman still dressed in her housecoat, Esper raises an eyebrow. With a sweet smile, Esper says:
"Good morning, ma'am. We're here on behalf of the Temple of the Shining Star. We come bearing medicine, and were contemplating further donations in the future. I'm sorry to say, but I must inform you, I was expecting a more professional matron. Certainly one with the patience to deal with so many sick children with kindness." Despite Esper's smile, she clearly means her words as a warning.
The ruckus in the house subsided the moment that the woman arrived on the scene.
Upon seeing the package marked with the seal of the temple on it the woman perked up, but then listening to Esper she frowned. She looked up to the post-noonday sky, and over at the less-than-professional seeming members of the party (Doughlas's gardener's boots and big shovel, Rama's unhealthy blue countenance, Einarr's well, Einarr-ness).
The woman listens to Esper, looks at the party over again and then allows them in--all except Ramachandra. "Some of the children are ill as it is. I can't have the undead walking about the house. It's unhygienic. And a bit creepy too. You'd give my precious little angels nightmares."
"And you." she indicates Doughlas. "You're late. The evening nightsoil man has already been and gone." The woman looks to the sky once more and back to Esper as if to make sure. "So you can just be off."
She turns to the remainder of the group now with a horrible saccharine smile. "I'm Gilga Baltwin, though everyone here calls me Auntie. Come in. Come in. We can have tea while we talk."
Einarr starts to laugh at the old woman's comment to Doughlass but then stops mid laugh because he does not want to swallow some airborne malady. He covers his mouth with a hand and steps inside slowly- fearful of becoming sick.
Esper smiles at the obnoxious woman and follows her into the building. She looks around as she walks the halls, attentive for anything out of the ordinary, and signs of neglect.
Female Gnome Warpriest 4 | AC 17/12/16 | HP 35/35 | F+6, R+2,W+7 | CMD 15 | Speed 20’ | Init+7, Perception+5, Sense Motive+8 | Lowlight vision.
Perrine started at the woman, slightly open mouthed, trying to figure out an appropriate response condescending lady. She decided to keep quiet other than to mutter, ”Ah yes, about that tea...”
Gilga Baltwin takes the group into a sitting room filled with lacy doilies and cats who mostly disappear the moment they arrive (the cats that is, not the doilies).
Aunti Baltwin pours out some tea for those who want some and then for herself adding a generous amount of something from a big mostly empty decorative glass bottle. "Want some? It adds a bit of kick to keep you going through the day."
Esper takes a seat, and declines a cup of tea. "Thank you for your hospitality, Miss Baltwin. We come bearing a donation of medicine from the Temple of Shining Star. In exchange, we only desire a tour of your establishment, and a chance to speak with the staff and children." she smiles pleasantly. "It's important we understand what kind of further assistance the Temple might be able to offer your establishment. They are keen to make donations to worthy causes."
By we, she is referring to the PCs, not the temple. Technically, nothing she has said is a lie so I have not rolled a bluff check.
Diplomacy:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23
As she speaks with Miss Baltwin, Esper targets her with her hypnotic stare ability. There is no saving throw, and she takes a -2 penalty on will saves as long as she is within 30 feet of Esper. Esper can remove the memory of her stare from the target’s mind; the creature doesn’t remember that it was affected (nor does it realize that it is currently being affected) unless the mesmerist allows it (which she doesn't). Full details are on Esper's profile.
Female Gnome Warpriest 4 | AC 17/12/16 | HP 35/35 | F+6, R+2,W+7 | CMD 15 | Speed 20’ | Init+7, Perception+5, Sense Motive+8 | Lowlight vision.
Perrine holds up her glass; asking for a bit of the mysterious fluid in the jug to be added to her own. Perhaps if she tasted it, she could report what it was to her superiors. Theres no way the woman would be drinking in front of the children, is there...
CG Male half-elf rogue 8 | HP 67/67 | AC: 21 T:17 FF:15 | F +4 R +12 W +2 (+2 vs. enchantments) | Init +12 | Perc +13 | Low-light vision | Trapfinding +4
Tathane happily takes the tea. For a moment he considers adding the extra 'flavor' but passes. With the warm cup in his hands, he takes a small sip of the brew.
