Sleet Storm's Untitled Campaign

Game Master Sleet Storm

The PC's are Pathfinder operatives of some standing.I assume you are familiar with the background of the Pathfinder Society and there will be many references to it during the story.The PC's recieved a briefing by a Venture captain:

Venture - Captain Sheila Heidmarch's mission summons brings you to her Magnimarian manorhouse.
" Loyal Pathfinders," the deep-voiced Venture - Captain Sheila Heidmarch says from the end of the long dining table, "our colleagues in Absalom are putting pressure on me to find out more about the forgotten goddess Lissala and her worshipers.
We have searched catacombs and libraries for artifacts and accounts of the faith for centuries, but now that we know the cult is still active here in Varisia, this has become a priority for the Ten .

" One of my agents claimed she had uncovered an active
cult of Lissala practicing their rites in Palin's Cove, a few days ride from Korvosa. If she's correct, this would be an unusual opportunity for us - we could study the goddess and her faith firsthand instead of piecing together information from disparate runes and legends hidden in the dust of a crumbled empire. Find this cult and get to the center of its inner workings. Brute force might get you in the door, but we won't learn much from a bunch of dead cultists, so infiltrate it if you can . Learn what secrets you can , and get out safely to report your findings to me. I want to know how Lissala's faith has survived 10 millennia undetected, and what foul plan they're concocting that has precipitated their resurgence all of a sudden.
" I have a man in Palin's Cove by the name of Gerhart Aidrim . He has arranged lodging and cover identities for you if you need them . Aldrim will expect you at the Baited Hook Inn within the week, and can answer any questions you might have about your mission. Oh, and one last thing: The agent who uncovered the cult has not repo rted back i n some time. So do be careful . Losing one Pathfinder is misfortune; losing an entire team would seem like carelessness."

The scenario begins as the PC's arrive at the Baited Hook Inn , how you arrived there is up to you and not important for the story but make up what you wish. Your contact person Gerhart Aidrim is waiting for you there.

Jake will look for Gerhart and observe him for a few minutes before speaking.

Let me set the scene:The Baited Hook Inn is a sturdy building by Palin's Grove`s docks where sailors stay during shore leave. The drinks are strong, the company uncouth, and the fried fish as fresh as it comes.

Gerhart Aldrim is waiting. He was a tall man once, but in his old age, he walks with a stoop.He is missing much of the right side of his
face, and most of his right arm.

Okay. I'm a bit lost actually. Jake has no social skills beyond looking badass, and has Cha 8, so he pretty much has to wait for another Pathfinder to say something.

On the theory that accepting something makes people like you more (Jake [me] read that somewhere), he buys some fish.

"That looks nice."

do we have a name or description of the agent that has gone missing. Also were we given any sign or method by which to identify ourselves to Gerhart?

Kolo secured passage by ship from Magnimar to Korvosa, having spent much of his time in his cabin drinking gambling and generally carousing.

Upon entering the Baited Hook, he approaches Gerhart and sits at the table next to his.

Do we have a signal to identify each other?

You don't know any details of the events that transpired in Palins Grove, nor do you have any closer information about the Pathfinder agent in question ,that is why you are meeting up with Gerhart in the first place.

As for methods of identification:Good question.I think we can safely assume that the Pathfinder Organization teaches their members ways to idetify other members and such, but there is nothing prepared for that.For the moment we will assume that you have descriptions of Gerhart and your party members and can identify them on sight.

Jake hurriedly finishes his fish and finds a place to wash up. Once back...

Hi Kolo, you're early too.

"Hi Jake, Gerhart", Kolo nods at both. "Can I get you gentleman a drink while we discuss business?"

After settling down he says, "So Gerhart, what can you tell us about the situation?"

"I'd appreciate one, thanks."

I was getting lunch, that's why I took so long to answer.

Kolo motions for the bartender/barmaid to bring a round of drinks, "I suppose we are waiting for the rest of our team for the moment, perhaps you could provide us with a tale or two while we wait gerhart?", he says as he eyes Gerharts face and mostly missing arm.

Jake is also failing to look at Gerhart's face, and ponders just what could have caused these injuries.

Jake is also trying to figure out if Gerhart is still capable of fighting.

It's 10 PM EST. I'll be available c. 10 AM till 4 PM tomorrow. That's the last day of the playtest, so I hope we can do a combat.

A rather tall, lanky elf surveys the room, clearly looking for a group he is meant to meet. His eyes catch sight of the rather striking face of Gerhart Aidrim and he makes his way to the table. He pulls out a chair and slides in fluidly. Folding his hands on the table, he addresses the other two at the table first, "Gentlemen, apologies for my tardiness. I have only recently been sent along to join you. I am Daromel, it is my pleasure to make your acquaintances. I hope I haven't missed much?" He raises an eyebrow, as if to ask what has happened in his absence.

He turns to Gerhart, looking him full in the face, or rather, what is left of it. "Now, down to business. I understand you have uncovered an active Lissalan cult? Do you have an idea of where they may be operating out of and how many they are? We will need access, so if you have any knowledge of their habits, holdings, or things of that ilk, we would appreciate the information."

I'm back.

"Welcome Daromel, we were just getting started. Care for a drink?"

Gerhart acknowledges the gathered men with a slight nod and a surprisingly vibrant grin on his face....:

"So, you are the next bunch Sheila sent huh?"

...facing the floor, he sighs.....

"I can't tell you much I'm afraid. We had another agent here looking to investigate the cult until recently,"Charito Menas, her name was . Taldan, lovely to look at, but arrogant as the hosts of Hell. She didn't like me much. Never told me much about where she was going, who she was talking to, or what she found out.Then one night she didn't come back. Guess whatever she was looking for found her first. Not my fault I had no idea where to look for her. Frankly, I didn't like her enough to risk my good arm poking around where I'm not wanted."

....massaging his stump he seems lost in his memories for a moment, letting an akward silence set in before continuing.....

"Charito didn't tell me much, but I know she found something. I think she called them the 'Heart Eaters' or something like that. I'd never heard of them, and I've lived here going on ten years now. If this cult of hers is real, they're hidden well. Then again, I don't get out too much these days.Whoever she talked to must be out there somewhere. It can't hurt to ask around."

"So how about that drink you mentioned..."

Jake is impatient.

"Sorry, but we can drink on the go. Let's go look for those 'Heart Eaters'. Daromel, I can tell from that scholarly pallor that you're the, well, scholarly type. Do you have any spells that could help us with that?"

"Come to think about it, if Charito Menas looks so striking, people would remember her wherever she went. I need a description of her so we can ask around."

"Hold your horses, young fella.A bunch of Pathfinders asking questions might put the cult on its guard. We put together a different story,if you want it. One of you will be Avis Dimitrov, from the Dimitrov family in Korvosa. Dimitrov seeks depraved pleasures and mystic enlightenment. Rich, amoral, and not too bright-the kind of folk any mad sect would be happy to have aboard. The rest of you can pose as Dimitrov's bodyguards, servants, advisors,and hangers - on. I have some fancy clothes to make you look the part, and a letter of introduction from a Korvosan wizard who was born here. No skin off my nose what you do with this; Sheila told me to get it ready and she's not one to be lightly refused."

"Okay, I got it. I can play a bodyguard pretty easily enough. I'm strong, scary, watchful..."

Jake is looking for a place to get changed.

Kolo looks over the introduction, and considers his options. "I can pose as this Avis fellow, can you tell me anything more about the cover or the Dimitrov family? Assuming it exists ofcourse."

"Where would be a good place to go to get attention?"

I have work now. As usual on Wednesday I won't be available for much.

Daromel mused over this new information for a moment.

Not sure what Knowledges I should be making, so here's two for good measure.
Knowledge(History): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (5) + 13 = 18
Knowledge(Arcana): 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (5) + 15 = 20

His thoughts on the topic are interrupted by the plan being hatched. "I suppose you could pose as this noble fellow. Although I certainly can't pass for a hired guard. I could attempt to follow you invisibly, or I could try to swindle our way in as this Dimitrov man."

Kolo says to Daromel"While you might not be guard material, you could serve as my advisor, or personal assistand, I believe you mentioned that as an option did you Gerhart? Daromel seems like the advisor type doesnt he?'

Jake returns in his "guard outfit".

"So, how do I look?"

1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 30 Intimidate to "look the part".

Kolo goes and puts on the fancy clothes [OOC]for reference are the fancy clothes like a courtiers outfit or something else?[/url]

"You look like you would successfully beat to a pulp whomever I decided inconvenienced me Jake, excellent"

Gerhart stands up from his chair and grins at Jake....
Very convincing. Well I can't let you stay in this filthy shack, you can stay at my place as long as you are here.I don't have much room, but you get a place to sleep and a meal everyday.

I'm gonna give you a map of Palin's cove now, so you can start your investigation of the cult.You are going to have your headquarters in K:Aldrims House, but you can go wherever you want from there.

The map is here

"Did Charito tell you where she was staying?"

" She stayed with me for the most part, but she never told me where she was going.One day she was just gone."

"I wonder if we could find her with magic. Do you have any of her things? Even a coin might help."

None of the locations on the map have labels, it doesnt really help us to just have lettered locations, we need some context to choose places to investigate

"Well lets see if I can find some information about this town by asking around as Dimitrov".

Kolo as discretely as possible begins gathering information about locations in Palin's Cove where one might slate depraved pleasures and mystic entitlement
Diplomacy(Gather Information): 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (18) + 17 = 35

In the event its necessary to bluff to maintain my cover in the process:
Bluff: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (10) + 17 = 27

About to go to work.

Jake travels with Kolo, as he's looking into some dangerous places.

There are labels at the bottom of the image file. We're at "I", Baited Hook Inn.

Odd, I downloaded the map to my kindle (dont have access to google docs at work and it doesnt have the labels. Sorry about that, I'll check it again when I get home today

Care to join us Daromel?

There are notes below the map that label the locations(like B:Rumalin Manor).

The skill check you attempt,will take you several hours of canvasing and asking around.You don't have to make Bluff and disguise checks yet as random townsfolk will have no reason to suspect you.

You hear many rumors about the dissapearance of people, the town seems to know that something is going on....

""Sometimes, before folks disappear, they start acting strange and talking about service and eternal life.
Then again , sometimes people talk like that and they don't disappear; they just work hard and keep to themselves."

"My sister's an orderly at the asylum , and she's always talking about secret cults and such. It's stuff she hears from the patients there, I guess, so I don't put much weight in what she says."

.....there rumors about strange happenings,cultic activites and people being found dead and completely drained of all blood ,are spreading all over town .
You also hear rumors about a strange varisian woman that fits the dscription of Charrito Menas,and about her dissaparance ,much about the dissapearances and cult activities points toward the asylum..

You can mak more checks to glean more information if you want,but each will add 1d4 ⇒ 2 hours more ,You can vist any location as well.

Edit:I have put a second page on that lists the locations.

"Do you have the names of any of these people who haven't gone missing? If not, we could drop in on the asylum. Daromel could pretend to be a doctor."

So did my knowledge checks reveal anything about "Heart Eaters"?

Daromel left with the other two in a whirlwind of hustle and bustle. After a while of looking around and finding the asylum to be their best lead, he considered briefly the possibility of pretending to be a doctor employed there. "Two problems. Firstly, I know very little of the healing arts. Almost every other field of study should pose no problem, but medical mysteries are just that, to me anyway. Secondly, if the asylum is a front for this cult, don't you think it would be a little suspicious if a newcomer just appeared out of nowhere? Now despite those points, it's probably our best bet anyway, so if we're all agreed, I suppose we ought be off."

Kolo says to Jake and Daromel, "Perhaps As Dimitrov I could pose as if I have a sister who is not well, and that I wish to inspect the asylum to see if I think it a suitable facility to fit her needs".

Hmm. "They'd love a new rich recruit. They'd probably ask us probing questions, giving themselves away."

"But what if it's not a front? What if people are being charmed or something, and get committed by family members who don't know what's going on? Well at least this way we'll learn about it."

Well you guys need to make the decisions,I am just facilitating. Where is AncapBrony BTW?

So did my knowledge checks reveal anything about "Heart Eaters"?

Nothing, Knowledge(local) might get better results, you could us it to gather information like diplomacy.

"Let's get ourselves to the Belodia Asylum then."

Many of us don't know much about the setting, so making these decisions is hard.

You can continue to Gather Information if you feel unsure, I just don't want to spoil it by handing you the whole story.I guess its easier if you are familiar with the whole PFS background.

'Agreed, we shall investigate the asylum'

"Make way. Make way for Lord Dimitrov!"

"Am I laying it on a bit thick?"

"Just a tad, Jake. There may be a time for us to stand out like sore thumbs, but I highly doubt that time is now. Let's just get in, see what we can find out and perhaps regroup afterwards."

Daromel stood on the doorsteps of the rather imposing looking asylum. He turned back to his two companions and dropped his voice, "So just that we have everything straight, Kolo is Lord Avis Dimitrov from Korvosa, he's looking to see if this place is suitable for his afflicted sister, I am an advisor to the young lord, and Jake is his hired man. If that sounds to be all, then lead on my lord." Daromel finished with a playful sneer.

Turning back to the issue that had been nagging himsince the tavern, he couldn't place where he might have heard the term Heart Eaters, but he kept turning it over in his head, hoping something would fall into place. A muttered word, a half-heard rumor, anything to go on.

Knowledge(local): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 30

Meanwhile Jake is scanning for guards and whatever might be used to keep patients from escaping.

Perception 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (3) + 14 = 17

Belodia Asylum is an imposing building, its angular grey stonework softened only slightly by the creep of moss . High walls, wrought iron, and a watchtower keep its secrets close.

A single wooden door provides entry to the former prison, and the a heavy iron door just behind it is always locked and barred from the inside. Ringing the bell on the inner door summons an orderly who escorts any visitors inside.

Map is here

(The party enters the building in G-1 (reception).)
The receptionist,seemingly occupied with a list of asylum inmates, doesn't even look up as the men enter the building...
"Name?......Reason of your visit?"

[dice=Knowledge(local)]1d20+12

I want to give you something, but ther isn't rally any information going around about the cult, I will give you another piece of info that might be helpfull.