GM CariMac's Tyranny of the Winds (Inactive)

Game Master CariMac

As they travel through the desert, Leyten concentrates ever so slightly... and a shadow appears a couple of feet above Laafdahni's head. It just floats there, moving as she does and staying between her and the blazing sun. She also feels herself moving more easily, as though her backpack is nearly weightless.

After about an hour, the shadow fades... and reappears above Lekki's head, giving the aged tengu the same benefit.

It continues like this for a while, with the cooling shadow and the feeling of "lightness" moving between Laafdahni, Lekki, and even Leyten himself occasionally. He looks over to Rumble and Osten and says, "Either of you two want any of this? Thank you for the elemental protection spell, by the way, Osten. Very handy."

Leyten is using Basic Chaokinesis.

Once they meet Shirana, Leyten listens to the conversation and politely chuckles a bit. "No, no, there's a sequence to this," he says softly to his companions. "Give me a moment."

He steps up to Shirana and looks over her wares. "These items are very nice. Tell me, how much for that ring with the red stone in it? Is that bloodstone?"

Surprised by Osten's interjection, Laafdahni scrutinizes the merchant, trying to sense whether or not his accusation of her honesty could be true.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Unfortunately, she cannot get a good read on Shirana.

Noticing Leyten's shadow over her, she turns to him, flashing a grateful smile. In the dimmer light, her limpid turquoise eyes almost seem to give off a faint glow. She turns to the merchant with a nod to the shadow above her. "It appears that I will not need to worry about the elements; however, that bracelet has grown on me." Laafdahni holds out three gold pieces in exchange for the white moonstone bracelet.

Once the transaction is complete, she steps back, pulling Osten aside. "I am grateful for your concern, but it was unnecessary. A merchant in a good mood from a sale is more generous with information, which is worth more to us than the gold I paid for this trinket. But again, thank you for looking out for me." She gently lays her hand on his arm as she speaks in a gesture of friendship and confidence.

What's that saying, a southerner and his money...or is it fool? Bah, its the same either way as far as I'm concerned. Can't protect them, or their coin, if they don't want it. Osten adjusts his gear while the others throw their money away shop.

I have no idea if the items are of value or not, but Osten seems to think a refugee of sorts would probably not have much of value to sell. Some Detect Magic or Appraise maybe?

"Thank you lady. I appreciate your patronage." She wraps the stone in some light paper.

"Yes sir it is bloodstone." She pulls it out. Realizing she's got a haggler on her hands she points out the deep color and the metal is a lovely bronze. "It will stand up very well. Ten gold my friend."

"I'll move us to the next scene tomorrow. Feel free to continue to RP.

Leyten considers the ring. "Hmmm, I was thinking it's closer to 7 gold... but I'll give you that 10 - and another 5 - if you tell us everything you know about Jamila. Not just the direction she went, but anything else you've heard about her."

Leyten will make a Sense Motive check for anything she subsequently tells them.
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

Seeing Leyten's tactic, Well, maybe they don't ALL lack some common sense. "Not bad Krovt. Not bad at all."

Shirana smiles brightly. Done. I'm not sure what all I can tell you but I will tell you what I know." she quickly tucks the fifteen gold away.

I saw her six hours ago. It was not far from the place where the road diverges into two paths. She was heading in that direction. There is a lower path and a higher path. Merchants travel on both paths, but there are good and bad points of both. I'm afraid I did not see which direction she went in. She was in a hurry, and not wonderful people such as yourselves. She did not stop to talk."

After a few more complements you leave Shirana to her travels and move on down the path.

After a few hours you come to a place where road diverges into two paths. A steep downward trail leads to a trench that provides shade from the desert heat. The other path leads upward toward a series of ledges that eventually lead to the top of the canyon. This higher path provides less protection from the sun, but its high vantage point could allow a better view of the surrounding area.

Your map tells you that both paths eventually merge back into one trail.

Survival: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28

Well folks, let me tell you what I see...

I will share the info in the spoiler with everyone.

Laafdahni's brow furrows and her lips pout slightly as she considers the options. "She will assume that she is being followed, and we certainly don't look like merchants. If we take the higher route, we may see her, but she may see us, too. I don't fancy running into any traps she may leave for us as we hurry to catch up. It may be that secrecy could be our best asset. What do you think?" Her head tilts and one eyebrow subtly arches as she asks the group's opinion.

"We can't assume she has good protection from the sun, so she may well take the lower path. Both way have dangers. But, as we don't need to rely on the shade, I say we take the higher road. Just my two coppers."

“I say we take the high pass too, we can see much better that way. But bare with me, my old ones are too slow...”

I should have bought a backpack. Two quick holes in the bottom and I coulda carried him.

”High road good for Rumble. Look much fast than ground!”

"Agreed. The upper path," says Leyten, who finds that his new bloodstone ring fits best on the index finger of his left hand.

Laafdahni inclines her head and smiles in acquiescence. "The upper path it is then. Let us use the Wand of Endure Elements and be on our way."

Osten invokes the magic from his wand before heading up toward the high pass.

Just the five of us, correct? No pets or companions or the like?

No tag-a-long here.

I think Lekki counts as a tag along...

The Pathfinders decide the view from the upper path would be best. As you travel along the winds pick up without warning, pushing in every direction and at some points blustering hard enough to make the narrow ledge a deadly peril.

Everyone Else DC 15 Reflex save to drop prone in time. You have a +4 from Osten's survival check to be forewarned about the hazard.

Lekki: Ha! Yeah, no pets or animal companions here.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17 Close, but not good enough.

Reflex save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24 Phew!

As they cross the narrow path, a powerful gust of wind catches Leyten unprepared. He manages to drop prone before falling over the edge.

Lets see what Lekki can do...
Survival: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22
Reflex: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

Perception 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22
Reflex, if necessary 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Survival: 1d10 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19

The barbarian shows uncanny grace for someone his size as he drops low to the ground.

Survival: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17

Laafdahni drops to the ground with surprising grace as the wind blasts her braided hair across her face.

Everyone manages to avoid being pushed off the edge of the ledge. While you are standing up and dusting yourselves off, the whipping winds die down and quickly coalesce into numerous small gaseous shapes. They appear as birds, flying humanoids, and amorphous clouds, totaling a dozen in all.

A larger elemental descends until it almost touches the ground. The creature has a humanlike head and torso, but its lower body forms a bilious cloud from which wispy tendrils emerge in all directions. “Well, well—land creatures,” it says in a masculine voice. “Foolish or brave—or perhaps knowing we seek you. Yes, yes. You are the prophets, are you not?”

Laafdahni bows her head to the elementals and speaks with warmth and measured calmness. "Greetings, elemental beings of air. It is an honor to meet you. We are not the prophets you seek, though if you require wise counsel, we may be able to assist you nonetheless. I am Laafdahni. To whom do I have the pleasure of speaking?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14
Knowledge: Planes: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
What does she notice about these elementals?

“Well well, band creatures? We aren’t part of any band! What do we look like, a bunch of groupies? We are adventurers!” -Lekki makes first contact, as politely as a deaf bird can...

Aid another diplomacy 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (17) - 2 = 15

”Water woman is right. Group am not prophets. Group am explorers. Happy to help with problem, though.”

//Lekki auto assists in diplomacy, sorry forgot to add it.

Leyten stays quiet and in the background, waiting to see how the elementals react to Laafdahni's persuasive skills.

Maybe the low-road was the way to go. Well, here's hopin' the bookworms can get us through this. Not certain we can match up with elementals very well.

"Indeed, we're just passing through, not lookin' fer any trouble. However, these folks are pretty smart."

Diplomacy, aid: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (20) - 2 = 18

I'm sorry. The site went down for maintenance yesterday, and I didn't get back to my GM posts. I'm now listed as the GM on this game, and have updated the Tread Title. I hope that didn't mess anyone up.

The air elemental speaks in a fast, clipped manner, and wisps of fog sometimes break away from him when he is excited.

"You are just being modest. You are the prophets that were spoken of." he gives them a knowing look, “You seek the janni who fled through these dunes,” says Iyasset. “Jamila al-Shafah. She passed through not long ago, though only the leader of my tribe knows where she was bound. She rightly fears the power of the prophets, while we respect it. My leader can tell you where this Jamila has gone, provided that you are the ones we seek. Will you prove yourselves to us?”

Don't listen. It's a trap!

”Only way to find Jamila is prove ourselves....Rumble volunteer to prove self! How am Rumble to test?”

Wait for it...

“Oh maybe another day? Test are awefully hard...and I’m very tired from all this walking and climbing, and not to mention this sun...” Lekki looks dismissively at the elemental, but is visibly ready for whatever they throw at him.

"What is the nature of the test?" Curiosity flits across Laafdahni's features.

Leyten inquires of the elementals, "Before we agree to any 'test," can you explain one thing: Why are YOU involving yourselves in this matter?"

Leyten will attempt a Sense Motive check on whether the elementals are being less than forthright. It might be tricky, since they don't have humanoid facial features...!
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

“The art of prophecy has faded away over the years, but what is known is still known. A new clash of the khamsin storms draws near, and the Goanron and Ainsi watch for a sign of blessing. We have not known what exactly to expect, but the time is right and you are here.”

“Sacred ground lies near here, known as the Sandflow Source. Those who pass through must show a mastery of the elements and an appreciation of our people. If you meet the challenges within, you will prove yourselves to all who may not see your true value. Only then may I bring you to our leader.”

"Will you come with me? As I said my leader knows about Jamila. I doubt you will find her without that information."

Leyton turns to his companions and shrugs. "For what it's worth, I think they mean what they say. Besides, making friends of elementals in this region... well, it's not a bad thing."

Dammit! Well, nothing else for it I guess. With a labored sigh, "I'm guessin' you all want to go do this. Gonna have to keep you safe. Let's go if we are goin'."

"Oooookay. We will go with you strange elemental creature. But tell us one thing. If we are the comet, then what Is Jamila? Is she something important too?"

Rumble nodded. He was ready to fulfill his assigned mission.

Bowing her head, Laafdahni accepts and asks her question again. "It seems wise for us to go with you. What can you tell us of these challenges?"

"I do not know if Jamila has a place in the prophecy. You must as my leader that question." He dismissess the smaller elementals, and leads you off of the cliff.

Iyasset leads you through a dizzying maze of trenches, dunes, and escarpments, eventually bringing them to the holy site known as the Sandflow Source.

The area gets its name from the fact that the ground itself flows like a river here, constantly shifting, roiling, and eventually descending into a waterfall-like shower of sand. Here the pharaohs of old summoned and bound mass numbers of air and earth elementals. The frequent callings left an elemental imprint on this site, and in spots it has taken on features of both the Elemental Planes.

As the you travel to the Sandflow Source, you are thankful for the magic that is protecting you from the elements.

With the exception of the tunnel and underground chamber, the Sandflow Source lies in an open-air labyrinth that serves as a holy site to both the Ainsi (Iyasset's people}and the Goanron.

The sun above provides natural light throughout the open areas. The walls have a smooth, almost glossy polish and rise 20 to 30 feet high throughout the complex. A dusting of windswept sand covers the hard stone floor, albeit not enough to restrict movement.

After several miles of travel, Iyasset pauses at the top of a plateau and gazes meaningfully toward the trench below. A roaring, bubbling noise from below sounds like water rapids, but is in actuality a constantly shifting stream of sand. The river, approximately 15 feet wide, tosses and heaves with waves of fine yellow-brown sand. The rapid flow ends at a ledge, where it crashes downward just like a waterfall.

“From the Sandflow Source many of us came, and to the Source we periodically return,” says the elemental. “If you pass through this holy site, you too will be welcomed into our tribe, and you too shall earn the secrets you seek. To complete the first trial, you must get inside and make your way to solid ground.”

The emissary points out a path that leads yous to the bank of the sand river. "Do you have any last minute questions?

Map Updated. This is a hazard. Give me some ideas on how you might cross this. This is like the dreaded door opening in PbP. I'll push you along if things bog down.

Yeah, this why tests are bad.

"I...uh...don't suppose we have any good swimmers here? Take some rope and secure it on the other side?"

That's my only plan so far. If I strip off my armor, and bloodrage, I have a +5 to my swim check.

@GM CariMac: Do we just need to reach his current location, or somewhere else on the map deeper in the cavern?

Knowledge (planes): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

"Flowing sand is a rare feature found on the Plane of Earth." Laafdahni is clearly impressed by this awesome sight.

Yeah, knowing our target destination would be helpful. Is the darker ground the sand river? And the lighter area where Iyasset is standing would be solid ground, yes?

Also, Laafdahni has a grappling hook and a rope.

"Ooooh. I've never been a good swimmer and i'm awfully scared of heights. Any chance we can get down there another way, my wings are terribly old..." Lekki shows everyone his aging feathers which are tattered and have holes in parts. He looks frail to the point of someone people may even wonder how it is he was able to walk all this way.

"We should tie one person up with a rope and have the best swimmer swim across. I can give them the blessings of Razmir so they will do it better. Or, i can give a potion of Touch of the Sea that i keep handy incase i need to swim myself." he takes a moment to think of the next step of the plan, as if lost in thought.

Leyten stares in amazement at the sand "waterfall."

"That's... unique," he says. He looks around and listens to his companions' suggestions, trying to assess the options for getting across.

Yes, any more info about the "finish line" would be helpful.